May 22, 2026
Mr. James submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
Calling on the Government of Nigeria to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Mazi Nnamdi Kanu are conducted in full accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments.
Whereas Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a political figure known for advocating on behalf of communities in southeastern Nigeria;
Whereas Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has publicly expressed his views regarding political self-determination and governance through speech and advocacy;
Whereas concerns have been raised regarding the circumstances of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s apprehension in Nairobi, Kenya, in June 2021, and his subsequent transfer to Nigeria;
Whereas questions have been raised by legal observers and international bodies regarding whether this transfer complied with applicable legal standards and international obligations;
Whereas the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, in an opinion issued on July 20, 2022, found that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention violated international human rights obligations and called for his release and the provision of remedies;
Whereas courts in Kenya have issued rulings concerning the legality of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s transfer from Kenya to Nigeria;
Whereas concerns have been raised by human rights organizations regarding due process, access to counsel, and conditions of detention;
Whereas prolonged detention without adequate medical care raises serious humanitarian concerns;
Whereas the protection of freedom of expression, fair trial rights, and humane treatment of detainees are fundamental principles recognized under international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
Whereas the United States has a longstanding commitment to advocating for the protection of human rights and the rule of law globally; and
Whereas the United States has previously engaged diplomatically in cases involving individuals detained abroad where credible concerns of wrongful detention exist: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
calls on the Government of Nigeria to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Mazi Nnamdi Kanu are conducted in full accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments;
(2)
urges the Government of Nigeria to carefully consider the findings of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and to take appropriate steps consistent with those findings;
(3)
encourages the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has consistent access to legal counsel, necessary medical care, and humane conditions of detention;
(4)
encourages the Secretary of State to engage with the Government of Nigeria regarding concerns related to due process, detention conditions, and respect for fundamental rights; and
(5)
reaffirms the commitment of the United States to the protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law worldwide.