Representative John James, a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and former chairman of the Africa Subcommittee, has asserted that the situation involving Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is evidence of Christian persecution in Nigeria.
He claimed while speaking on Thursday at a public hearing to review President Donald Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
James stated that alleged political persecution in Nigeria is tied to political repression and weakening institutions.
He argued that Nigeria’s Court of Appeal had struck down the charges against Kanu and ordered his release in 2022.
James 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 has 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 signalled that the law is optional and targeting Christians is fair game. Just hours ago this morning, despite the pleas and cries of Nigerian people and many Nigerian lawmakers, Kanu was convicted on all charges.”
The hearing in Washington, DC, included senior US State Department officials and Nigerian religious leaders.
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