U.S. Congressman John James, a former Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, has described the case of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as a clear example of ongoing religious persecution in Nigeria.
James made the remarks on Thursday during a public hearing held by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa to review President Donald Trump’s recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
The hearing in Washington, D.C., featured senior officials from the U.S. State Department as well as Nigerian religious leaders.
According to the lawmaker, the handling of Kanu’s case reflects a pattern of political repression and religious targeting.
He said:
“Religious persecution is tied to political repression and weakening institutions in Nigeria.
The detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a clear example.
“In 2022, Nigeria’s Court of Appeals struck down the charges against him and ordered his release. The UN Working Group for Arbitrary Detention also called for his unconditional release, yet he remains in solitary confinement in deteriorating health and recently had to represent himself in court.
“Nigeria has signaled that the law is optional and that targeting Christians is fair game. Just hours ago this morning, despite the pleas of Nigerian people and lawmakers, Kanu was convicted on all charges.”
Nnamdi Kanu was on Thursday sentenced to life imprisonment over terrorism-related charges, a development that has drawn renewed international attention to Nigeria’s human rights and judicial practices.
