Senator Ali Ndume has expressed surprise over a bill introduced in the United States Congress seeking sanctions against a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, describing the move as “out of place”.

Ndume, who represents Borno South, spoke on Friday during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television.

“I am surprised that Kwankwaso’s name was mentioned, and I want to know why and how he got mentioned,” the lawmaker said.

“For them to mention just Kwankwaso, a former governor, something must be fishy somewhere. Perhaps there is intelligence and information available to others that some of us aren’t aware of,” he added.

Ndume, however, said he was not convinced about the approach being adopted by foreign governments.

“I don’t want to go too deeply into that, but in my view, the asset freezes and sanctions proposed by the UK, America and other developed countries are misplaced,” he said.

On Tuesday, five lawmakers in the United States Congress introduced a bill titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, seeking sanctions against Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore over alleged violations of religious freedom.

The sponsors are Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart and Bill Huizenga.

Part of the bill directs the US Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, on individuals and entities allegedly responsible for severe violations of religious freedom.

The development follows the recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by US President Donald Trump over the killing of Christians.

Ndume said foreign partners should shift focus from branding the entire country.

“If they want to help us, they should focus their attention on ‘People of Particular Concern’ rather than labeling the entire nation a ‘Country of Particular Concern’,” he said.

“The majority of Nigerians are innocent people. But there are a few people who are holding Nigeria’s assets outside, and they know, and up till now, there is no exposure.”

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