Falana Accuses Trump of Violating International Law in Venezuela, Calls for U.S. Sanctions

Nigerian human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged the United States Congress to impose sanctions on President Donald Trump over what he described as the “illegal invasion” of Venezuela. He warned that the reported military action violates international law and breaches the United Nations Charter.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Falana condemned reports that U.S. forces allegedly bombed Caracas, removed President Nicolás Maduro from power, and took control of Venezuela’s oil resources, leading to the deaths of numerous unarmed civilians.

According to him, the alleged abduction and extraordinary rendition of a sitting president of a sovereign nation represents “a blatant violation of international law,” adding that the situation exposes what he called the hypocrisy and double standards of the international community.

Falana further accused the Trump administration of attempting to install a transitional government in Venezuela for the purpose of exploiting the country’s vast oil and gas reserves, warning that such actions risk turning Venezuela into “a new colony of the United States.” He stressed that ideological differences do not justify foreign military intervention or forced regime change.

‘Reckless Gangsterism’

Falana argued that the developments in Venezuela fit into what he termed a pattern of “reckless gangsterism” during Trump’s second term in office. He referenced previous military actions allegedly taken without congressional authorization, including reported bombings in Iran and airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria announced on December 25, 2025.

Call for Judicial and UN Action

Falana appealed to the U.S. judiciary to reject any attempts by Trump to use American courts to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty. He also called on the United Nations to intervene, warning that silence could erode confidence in global justice systems.

“The UN must stand with the people of Venezuela and demand accountability for this fundamental breach of the UN Charter,” he stated.

Falana’s remarks come amid heightened international tension following reports of U.S. actions in Venezuela and the alleged detention of Maduro and his wife on terrorism and narcotics charges in a U.S. court. His intervention adds to the growing debate over unilateral military interventions and the role of international institutions in upholding global law and order.