Nnamdi Kanu’s detention shows Christian persecution in Nigeria – US Lawmaker John James

Former Chairman of the Africa Subcommittee and current member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Representative John James, has cited the case of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as evidence of religious persecution against Christians in Nigeria.

Speaking on Thursday during a public hearing in Washington, DC, which reviewed President Donald Trump’s recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), James linked the alleged persecution to broader political repression and weakening of institutions in the country.

He highlighted that Nigeria’s Court of Appeal had dismissed the charges against Kanu in 2022, ordering his release.

“Religious persecution in Nigeria is closely connected to political repression and the erosion of institutions. The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a clear demonstration,” James said.
“Despite the Court of Appeals’ ruling in 2022 and calls from the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for his immediate release, Kanu remains in solitary confinement, his health deteriorating, and he recently had to defend himself in court.”

James further argued that the Nigerian government has signaled that legal protections can be disregarded and that targeting Christians has become permissible. He noted that, despite appeals from citizens and lawmakers, Kanu was recently convicted on all charges.

The hearing brought together senior U.S. State Department officials and Nigerian religious leaders, examining the state of religious freedom and persecution in Nigeria.