By: Editor
Former Kano State Governor and former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has been named in a proposed United States bill seeking sanctions against individuals and groups allegedly linked to religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced by U.S. Congressmen Riley Moore and Chris Smith. The bill recommends targeted sanctions, including asset freezes and visa bans, against Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and groups described in the draft as “Fulani ethnic nomad militias.”
According to details shared by Congressman Moore on X (formerly Twitter), the bill alleges that the named individuals and organizations bear responsibility for what it describes as “severe violations of religious freedom” in Nigeria. The proposal references statistics and historical accounts of attacks against Christians, as well as Muslims who advocate religious tolerance.
The lawmakers also expressed concern over what they termed a “failure of the Nigerian government to prosecute or convict jihadist actors,” calling for stronger international cooperation. They urged countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and Hungary to support efforts aimed at holding alleged perpetrators accountable.
Additionally, the bill seeks investigations into reported cases where non-Muslims were allegedly subjected to Sharia or blasphemy laws. Among the cases cited are those of Rhoda Jatau and Deborah Yakubu.
Commenting on the proposed legislation, Moore stated that ongoing attacks on religious minorities and advocates of tolerance remain alarming and stressed the need for accountability. Smith added that the United States has a responsibility to stand with victims of religious persecution worldwide and ensure that those responsible for abuses do not act with impunity.
The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 is currently awaiting further review and debate in the U.S. Congress.