Biafra Govt-in-Exile Takes Case to U.S. Congress, Demands Release of Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa

In a landmark move, the Acting Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), Ogechuwku Nkere, has submitted powerful testimony to the U.S. Congress, calling for international action against Nigeria and Finland over the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa.

Nkere delivered his testimony to the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a congressional body co-chaired by Congressmen Chris Smith and Jim McGovern. This marks the first time the issue of Biafra has been officially included in the U.S. Congressional record.

A Historic Plea for Justice

Testifying in his personal capacity as a Biafran-American political and human rights activist, Nkere presented detailed allegations of human rights violations against Biafrans. He described the Nigerian government's treatment of Biafra leaders as a clear example of "transnational repression" — a central theme of the Commission’s June 24, 2025 hearing.

He accused the Nigerian government of "kidnapping" Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya and holding him in detention without a fair process. Similarly, Nkere criticized Finland’s prosecution of Simon Ekpa, calling it a politically driven case pushed by external influence.

Nkere made strong recommendations during his testimony, urging the U.S. Congress to:

Impose visa bans on Nigerian government officials.

Introduce sanctions and tariffs against Nigeria.

Suspend bilateral aid to Nigeria unless Kanu is released and granted safe passage out of the country.

Sanction Finland, if it continues prosecuting Simon Ekpa without just cause.

According to Nkere, these measures are necessary to protect political freedoms and send a global message against political repression.

Background on U.S. Support for Religious Freedom

Congressman Chris Smith, who co-chairs the Human Rights Commission, has long been a critic of religious persecution in Nigeria. He also chaired a separate congressional hearing on Christian persecution in Nigeria earlier this year. His involvement adds weight to Nkere’s appeal, particularly given the broader concern about human rights abuses in the region.