‘History beckons’ – Kanu reacts as US congressman moves for IPOB leader’s release

Kingsley Kanunta Kanu, the younger brother of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has welcomed a move by a United States Congressman, John James demanding the immediate release of the secessionist.

A viral video captured the moment John James moved a motion on the floor of the US Congress for the immediate release of the IPOB leader.

The lawmaker begged his colleagues to “support my bill for the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu immediately and unconditionally”.

Reacting, Kanunta Kanu in a post on his official X handle, hailed the move, liking the IPOB leader to late activist and former South African President, Nelson Mandela.

He wrote, “Only two personalities in recorded human history have ever been mentioned or debated on the floor of the great US Congress.

“And they are Nelson Mandela & today Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Leader of IPOB. History beckons!!!

“Sincere thanks to US Congressman John James @RepJames for boldly speaking out, exposing this injustice, and demanding Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s unconditional release”.

Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment after he was convicted on terrorism related charges on November 20, 2025.