United States Congressman Riley Moore has renewed his call for stronger action against religious persecution in Nigeria, following recent developments involving the Adamawa State Governor’s pardon of Sunday Jackson.
Moore, alongside fellow lawmaker Chris Smith, introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, a bill designed to strengthen U.S. oversight and impose consequences on individuals accused of human rights violations in Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Newsmax, Moore said the proposed legislation seeks to address what he described as the “brutal persecution of Christians” in the country. According to him, the bill targets specific actors allegedly linked to violence, including Fulani militias, and provides a legal framework for the U.S. administration to impose sanctions.
The proposed legislation also reportedly includes provisions that could allow sanctions against former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, as part of broader accountability measures.
Moore explained that the bill would grant U.S. President Donald Trump the authority to sanction individuals identified as perpetrators of religious persecution and require the administration to report back to Congress on actions taken.
He maintained that the initiative reflects growing concern within the U.S. Congress over violence affecting Christian communities in Nigeria, which he said is occurring on an unprecedented scale in Africa.
The development comes amid renewed debate over religious freedom, human rights enforcement, and international responses to insecurity in Nigeria.
