United States Congressman John James has called on the Nigerian government to grant detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu a fresh trial that complies with constitutional and international human-rights standards or release him unconditionally.

James, a Republican representing Michigan, made the appeal on Thursday, July 23, while addressing the US House of Representatives. He urged fellow lawmakers to support House Resolution 1321, which he introduced on May 22, 2026. The resolution remains before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and has not yet been adopted.

During his remarks, James described Nigeria as the “deadliest place on earth to be a Christian” and alleged that tens of thousands of Christians had been killed by Islamist militants since 2019 without an adequate response from Nigerian authorities.

He also linked Kanu’s conviction to what he described as a broader pattern of religious persecution and political repression in the country.

According to Premium Times, the congressman criticised Kanu’s trial and urged Nigeria to conduct another hearing based on evidence, with access to legal representation, medical treatment and humane detention conditions.

“I implore my colleagues to support my bill, H.Res. 1321, calling on the Nigerian government to conduct another trial in accordance with its own constitution,” James said.

He added that Kanu should be released immediately and unconditionally if the Nigerian authorities were unwilling to reopen the case.

James also suggested that US financial assistance to Nigeria could be reconsidered over the alleged persecution of Christians.

“America gives billions to Nigeria. We will not continue to fund a Christian genocide,” he said.

Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, after a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on terrorism-related charges. He has appealed against the conviction and sentence.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected claims that a Christian genocide is taking place in the country. It maintains that terrorist attacks, banditry and communal violence have affected Nigerians of different religious backgrounds.

House Resolution 1321 calls on Nigeria to ensure that proceedings involving Kanu comply with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human-rights obligations.