Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has appealed to the United States government to launch an independent investigation into what he described as the systematic killing of Christian communities in Nigeria’s South-East region.
In a letter dated November 6, 2025 and addressed to the US Embassy in Abuja through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu alleged that security operations in the region have caused the deaths of numerous innocent civilians, most of whom he claimed were targeted because of their faith. He said the acts were being carried out under the guise of counter-terrorism.
According to Kanu, several armed groups, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militias, have allegedly carried out coordinated attacks in the South-East with the support or silence of state security forces. He accused the Nigerian military of being the “main perpetrators” of violence in the region and blamed the government for covering up what he described as crimes against the Igbo people.
The IPOB leader cited past incidents, including alleged attacks on worshippers and students, which he said were confirmed by international human rights organisations. He claimed that in one such event, scores of people were killed during prayers at a church and their bodies disposed of secretly.
Kanu urged US President Donald Trump to initiate a Congressional hearing into what he termed “state-backed atrocities” and to ensure international access to mass graves and survivor testimonies.
The letter comes shortly after Mr. Trump had warned that the United States might consider military action against extremist groups in Nigeria if the government fails to protect Christians.
In his message, Kanu thanked the US president for recognising the plight of Christians in Nigeria, saying, “You have seen the truth. Christians in Nigeria face an existential threat.”
He also narrated his own experience, recalling his arrest in Kenya in 2021 and subsequent extradition to Nigeria, which he described as illegal. Kanu said he has remained in detention despite a 2022 ruling by the Court of Appeal ordering his release.
While the Nigerian government continues to prosecute him for alleged treason, the court has granted him a final opportunity to present his defence in the ongoing trial.
Kanu maintained that his continued detention is politically motivated, insisting that his campaign has always been about protecting the lives and rights of his people under international law.
