The lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has strongly criticized the persistent attempt to blame the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, for crimes and violence in the South East despite the absence of credible evidence from the Federal Government.
In a statement on Tuesday, Aguocha expressed concern over what he described as a “campaign of misinformation” linking Nnamdi Kanu to killings and insecurity in the region. He noted that it is both misleading and unjust to associate ongoing acts of criminality with someone who has been held in detention for years without conviction.
“There has been no evidence linking him to these acts, yet some people have resorted to social media trials and propaganda,” the lawmaker stated.
“We must stop the social media trial and allow justice and fairness to prevail. Continuing to hold him responsible for crimes he did not commit is unjust.”
Aguocha, a known advocate for peace and reconciliation in the South East, emphasized that the Federal and State Governments have failed to present any proof connecting Kanu to the recent wave of violence. Instead, he argued, criminals and kidnappers have been exploiting Kanu’s detention to commit atrocities while hiding under the IPOB name.
“A lot of false stories have been circulating, blaming Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for killings in the South East. The truth is that opportunistic elements are using his detention as a cover to cause chaos. This must stop,” Aguocha said.
He further cautioned that the continued detention of Kanu only worsens insecurity and deepens mistrust within the region. According to him, peace will remain elusive until justice is seen to be done.
“It is wrong and misleading to claim that someone who has been detained for years is behind these crimes. We must get the facts straight and unite to demand his release so peace can return to the South East,” he added.
The federal legislator reiterated his call for Nnamdi Kanu’s unconditional release, describing it as a vital step toward restoring calm and fostering genuine dialogue. He maintained that detaining Kanu indefinitely serves no constructive purpose other than fueling resentment and division.
“Releasing Nnamdi Kanu is not just an act of mercy; it is a necessary step toward stabilizing the South East,” Aguocha emphasized. “We cannot continue to criminalize an entire movement based on the actions of faceless criminals.”
Aguocha urged both the Federal Government and Southeast leaders to embrace truth, justice, and reconciliation rather than resorting to scapegoating. He concluded by calling for unity and a renewed commitment to peace.
“This is not the time for false accusations,” he said. “It is the time for collective reflection and sincere action. We must rise above propaganda and build the peace our people desperately need.”
