The United States state of Georgia has conferred honorary citizenship on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), even as he remains in detention in Nigeria.
Politics Nigeria reports that the honour was announced through a proclamation issued by the Georgia Secretary of State and later released by Kanu’s family.
The recognition has attracted attention as it comes while the IPOB leader is still being held over treason-related charges.
Prince Nnamdi Kanu, the activist’s younger brother, revealed the proclamation and confirmed that it officially designates Kanu as an honorary citizen of Georgia.
According to the family, the document was formally received by Uche Ajulu, a former Nigerian ambassador to South Africa.
Kanu is currently detained in Sokoto State following his conviction by the Federal High Court in Abuja. He has rejected the ruling and indicated his intention to challenge it through the appeal process.
The proclamation, signed by Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s Secretary of State, described Kanu as a goodwill representative and symbolically recognised him as a citizen of the state.
The letter stated:
“I, Brad Raffensperger, Secretary of State of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim Nnamdi Okwu Kanu as an Honorary Georgia Citizen.
“May this Outstanding Citizen be afforded every courtesy as a Goodwill Ambassador from Georgia in his travels to other states, to nations beyond the borders of the United States of America, or wherever he may hereafter travel or reside. Thank you for your service to our State.
“In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office. office, at the State Capitol, in the City of Atlanta, this 16th day of January, A.D. 2026.”
The proclamation has sparked reactions among Kanu’s supporters, many of whom view it as international recognition of his influence and activism, while also renewing debate over the increasing global attention on his legal situation in Nigeria.