Jarvis Johnson, the Representative of District 139 in the Texas House of Representatives, has sent a letter urging U.S. Members of Congress to intervene and call on the Nigerian government to immediately release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Johnson stated that Kanu, a British citizen, traveled to Nairobi, Kenya on May 12, 2021, and was lawfully admitted. However, on June 19, 2021, he was abducted by Nigerian government agents and subjected to eight days of torture before being illegally extradited to Nigeria.
The letter, dated May 10, 2023, and titled “Re: Appeal for Your Urgent Intervention in Urging the Government of Nigeria to Release Nnamdi Kanu from his Extraordinary Rendition,” was made available to The Guardian by Aloy Ejimakor, the special counsel to the IPOB leader.
Expressing the urgency of the situation, the U.S. lawmaker stated, “There is now growing fear/concern that the Muhammadu Buhari administration intends to assassinate or cause Kanu’s disappearance before May 29 when it plans to hand him over to the incoming administration.”
Johnson highlighted Kanu’s deteriorating health condition and emphasized that he suffers from a serious heart condition and other ailments for which he is not receiving adequate medical attention. He also pointed out that appeals for the release of the IPOB leader date back to June 27, 2021.
Describing Kanu as a prominent advocate for the Igbo struggle for self-determination, Johnson noted that his persecution by the Nigerian government has intensified since 2015 when he visited Nigeria from London, United Kingdom.
The lawmaker further detailed the events, stating, “After his release, he resided primarily in his ancestral home in Abia State, Nigeria, with his parents, siblings, and other extended family members.” He also highlighted the attack on Kanu’s home by the Nigerian military in October 2017, resulting in casualties, injuries, and disappearances of individuals.
Johnson’s appeal to the U.S. Congress seeks to draw attention to Kanu’s plight and to urge immediate action to prevent any harm or disappearance before his scheduled handover. The case has garnered international attention and calls for justice in support of Kanu’s release continue to grow.
