‘Nnamdi Kanu now global symbol of injustice’ – IPOB backs US Congress motion

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has declared that its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is now a global symbol of injustice and no longer a Nigerian matter.

IPOB made the assertion while reacting to a motion moved by Congressman John James during a debate on the floor of the United States Congress on Thursday. James had demanded Kanu’s immediate release in the motion.

Reacting to the development on Friday, IPOB, through its spokesman Emma Powerful, thanked Congressman James and the entire US Congress for intervening in the matter, stressing that Kanu’s case is now before the world.

The group claimed that Kanu and late South African leader, Nelson Mandela, are the only individuals whose issues have been debated on the floor of the US Congress.

It added that the latest development is a proof of IPOB’s resolve to secure a referendum on the future of Biafra.

“Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is no longer a Nigerian internal matter. He has become a global symbol of injustice, and free voices across the world are rising. The unity, sense of direction, and unflinching resolve shown by the 100 men and women of the Divine Project, even amid Onyendu’s suffering, proves our determination to secure a referendum. IPOB is now truly one family again after the chaos of five years.

“This is a historic moment. Apart from the great Nelson Mandela, no other African leader in modern times has received such direct spotlight and advocacy on the floor of the United States Congress as Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This singular attention demonstrates the potency of IPOB under the supreme leadership of Onyendu and the administrative competence of the Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ-led 4th Directorate of State (DOS),” the statement released by Powerful said.

IPOB commended Congressman John James for his courage and the United States Congress for providing the platform that shows America remains a blessing to mankind and a defender of the persecuted.

“The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) welcomes the powerful intervention by Rep. John James (R-Michigan) on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. The Congressman boldly declared Nigeria as the deadliest place on earth to be a Christian today. He exposed the sustained slaughter of tens of thousands of Christians by Islamist jihadis ignored or enabled by the Nigerian government. He highlighted Boko Haram and bandits operating with impunity.

“We equally salute our dedicated IPOB US Representatives for their relentless diplomatic efforts. Last week Jerusalem. This week Washington DC. The prophecy of our Leader is unfolding before our eyes,” the group added.

IPOB noted that James tore into the farce show trial and life sentence imposed on Kanu on false terrorism charges. “He demanded a new trial consistent with Nigeria’s constitution — backed by evidence, with access to legal counsel, medical care, and humane detention conditions — or, better yet, the immediate and unconditional release of our Leader.”

According to IPOB, the sham trial by Justice Omotosho, the conviction without any written law, and the judicial recklessness have been exposed globally. Warning that the impending shame on the Nigerian judiciary will be catastrophic, IPOB insisted that the truth cannot be buried.

Dismissing claims that “Kanu will die in prison”, IPOB said the fake terrorism narrative of the Nigerian government is collapsing. It stressed that Nigeria cannot prevail against a united and focused Biafran people, as demonstrated in Israel and now the United States.

“We are winning. The international encirclement is tightening. The moral high ground is ours. The legal nullity before the Supreme Court remains insurmountable. Political momentum in global power centres is shifting in our favour,” the group added.

The debate on Kanu’s case by the US Congress is coming days after the Israeli Knesset has received an IPOB delegation in Jerusalem. Kanu’s case was deliberated on by the Knesset, the supreme governing body of Israel, during the reception for the IPOB delegation led by head of the Directorate of State, DOS, Mazi Chris Nwaogu. The IPOB team was received by Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, Nissim Vaturi, and Deputy Chairman of the Knesset and Member of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, Mrs Limor Son Har-Melech.

It will be recalled that in a resolution dated May 22, 2026, the US Congress asked the US Secretary of State to engage the Nigerian government on Kanu’s case.  

‘Nnamdi Kanu now global symbol of injustice’ – IPOB backs US Congress motion