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U.S. Lawmakers Propose Sanctions On 12 Nigerian Governors Over Religious Freedom Concerns

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A major diplomatic row is brewing between Nigeria and the United States as the US Congress considers a bill seeking to impose sanctions on 12 northern governors, traditional rulers, and senior judges accused of complicity in what American lawmakers describe as “Christian genocide” and religious persecution under Nigeria’s Sharia and blasphemy laws.

 

The development follows US President, Donald Trump’s, recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” for alleged systemic violations of religious freedom.

 

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump lamented what he called the “mass killing of Christians” in Nigeria and directed Congressman Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate and report back to him immediately.

 

“Thousands of Christians are being killed in Nigeria. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. America cannot fold its hands while these atrocities continue,” Trump said.

 

At the heart of the controversy is a bill titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, sponsored by Republican Senator Ted Cruz.

 

The bill formally designates Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and seeks direct sanctions against public officials and religious authorities accused of promoting or tolerating attacks on Christians and other religious minorities.

 

Under the proposal, the US Secretary of State would, within 90 days of the bill’s passage, submit a list of Nigerian officials, including governors, judges, and monarchs, who have “promoted, enacted, or maintained blasphemy laws” or “tolerated violence by non-state actors invoking religious justification.”

 

Those named could face penalties under Executive Order 13818, the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability framework, including visa bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions.

 

Northern States In Focus

 

The bill targets states where Sharia-based penal codes have been enacted, beginning with Zamfara State under then-Governor Ahmad Sani Yerima in 1999.

 

Within two years, 11 other northern states, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kebbi, Yobe, Kaduna, Niger, and Gombe, adopted similar Sharia legal frameworks.

 

The system expanded Sharia’s jurisdiction from personal and family law to criminal and public morality, creating parallel Islamic courts alongside secular ones.

 

In contrast, states like Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Adamawa still operate under conventional law, restricting Sharia to personal matters such as marriage, inheritance, and family disputes.

 

Tensions flared recently when the Supreme Council for Sharia announced plans to set up offices in Oyo and Ogun States, both in southern Nigeria.

 

The announcement triggered public uproar and clashes between Muslim and Christian groups before the council clarified that the move was to establish arbitration panels for Muslim-related disputes, not formal Sharia courts.

 

While defending the bill before the Senate, Senator Cruz accused Nigerian authorities of turning a blind eye to religious violence and institutionalising discriminatory laws.

 

He said, “Religious persecution and violence against Christians and other minorities in Nigeria is endemic.

 

“Since 2009, over 52,000 Christians have been murdered, 20,000 churches and faith institutions destroyed, and dozens of villages wiped out. The federal and state governments have failed to act, and in many cases, they are complicit.”

 

The senator alleged that the implementation of Sharia law since 2000 had emboldened extremist groups and legalised persecution under the guise of religious morality.

 

The proposed US legislation also criticises Nigeria’s blasphemy provisions, which exist in nearly all northern legal codes.

 

States such as Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Katsina have drawn global attention for issuing death sentences over alleged blasphemy, including cases involving minors and musicians accused of “insulting Islam.”

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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

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A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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