H.Res. 1321

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1321 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1321

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.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 22, 2026

Mr. James submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

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
Resolved, 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.
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