A member of the House of Representatives, Obi Aguocha, on Thursday urged Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja to show mercy to the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, as the court prepared to deliver its sentencing.
Aguocha, who represents the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, appeared in court to personally appeal for clemency on behalf of Kanu.
Aguocha said, “My lord, I am the direct representative of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. That is why you see me here almost every time, showing presence and solidarity with him.”
He narrated that he and Kanu attended primary and secondary school together, noting that although he was Kanu’s senior, he felt morally obligated to speak for him—both as a long-time acquaintance and as a federal lawmaker.
The legislator pleaded with the court to “temper justice with mercy,” stressing the wider implications of the case on peace and stability in the South-East and the country.
“My lord, I plead for mercy, I plead for clemency, and I appeal for peace and stability—not just in the South-East, but in Nigeria. Nigeria is bleeding, and we must find common solutions to our common problems,” he said.
Aguocha also urged the prosecution to consider the broader insecurity in the region, arguing that other actors outside the courtroom “are also doing worse” than Kanu.
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He reminded the court that Kanu’s trial had lasted nearly a decade and that the IPOB leader, now in his mid-50s, had been away from his family and community for several years.
The lawmaker concluded by thanking the court for allowing him to address it: “I plead for the court to temper justice with mercy. I am a friend of the court, and I appreciate the opportunity.”
Justice Omotosho later convicted Kanu on all seven counts of terrorism filed against him.
Sentencing was scheduled for later in the day, with the judge directing those who wished to witness the proceedings to return to the courtroom at 3:45 p.m.
