US Lawmaker Calls for Release of Nnamdi Kanu from Detention
By Boniface Ihiasota, USA
Rep. Jarvis Johnson of Texas’ District 139 has called on the US government to intervene and secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, from detention in Nigeria.
In a statement, Johnson accused the Nigerian government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, of committing “genocide and crimes against Biafrans” and described Kanu as a “foremost freedom fighter.”
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021 and was charged with treasonable felony and terrorism by the Nigerian government.
However, a United Nations Working Group and multiple Nigerian courts have called for his unconditional release, and he was acquitted of all charges in October 2022.
Johnson argued that Kanu’s detention violates his right to freedom of speech and called on the US to protect the rights of oppressed Nigerians and to stop the “genocide” being carried out by the Nigerian government.
