Just In: 12 Northern Nigerian Governors, Judges, and Traditional Rulers Risk US Sanctions Over Religious Persecution

Twelve governors from northern Nigeria, alongside senior judges and traditional rulers, may soon face sanctions from the United States government over alleged complicity in religious persecution tied to the enforcement of Sharia and blasphemy laws.

The proposed measure, titled “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025,” is currently before the US Congress. It is sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz and reportedly enjoys the backing of US President Donald Trump. If passed, the bill will empower Washington to impose visa restrictions, asset freezes, and other penalties on Nigerian officials found culpable in promoting or enforcing laws seen as violating religious freedom, particularly those targeting Christian minorities. The legislation specifically names 12 northern states—Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kebbi, Yobe, Kaduna, Niger, and Gombe—as jurisdictions where discriminatory religious laws are allegedly being enforced. The move follows mounting international criticism over Nigeria’s record on religious freedom, including cases of blasphemy prosecutions and violence against individuals accused of religious offences. If enacted, the law could mark one of the most direct foreign policy actions by Washington against Nigerian political and religious leaders in recent years.