By Erewunmi Peace

The United States is considering sanctions targeting specific Nigerians and groups, including potential visa bans and asset freezes, following allegations of involvement in human rights violations in Nigeria.

A bill introduced in the U.S. Congress, called the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, recommends punitive measures against individuals and organisations implicated in violence and attacks on religious communities in Nigeria.

Who Could Be Affected
According to the proposed legislation, the sanctions could apply to:

Former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigerian People’s Party

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria

Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore

Certain militia groups of Fulani ethnicity allegedly involved in attacks and killings

The bill proposes that those named could face US visa bans and have any assets under U.S.
jurisdiction frozen if the legislation is enacted.

Important Context

The sanctions are currently part of a proposed bill and have not yet been enacted into law.

No official sanctions list specific to these Nigerians has been published by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Some online reports claiming a “full list of Nigerians whose assets are frozen” are inaccurate or misleading, as the U.S. government has not confirmed such a list.

Next Steps

If the bill passes both houses of the U.S. Congress and is signed into law, the targeted individuals and groups would face legal restrictions, including travel bans and asset freezes.

Observers say the legislation signals growing concern by the international community over alleged religious violence in Nigeria and could have significant diplomatic and economic implications if implemented.