Abuja, Nigeria – Hon. Obi Aguocha, the esteemed Member representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has issued a powerful plea for a fair and politically mediated resolution in the ongoing trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Hon. Aguocha underscored the critical importance of upholding justice, ensuring equity, and fostering national unity in this sensitive matter.
In a candid media interview conducted on Monday, Hon. Aguocha confirmed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a constituent he proudly represents, has formally submitted a no-case submission following the conclusion of the Federal Government’s prosecution. The lawmaker elucidated that the defense’s position rests on the assertion that the prosecution has failed to present sufficient evidence to warrant a continued defense.
“Nnamdi Kanu, of course, is one of my constituents,” Hon. Aguocha stated. “He filed a no-case submission, after the government closed its case, arguing that the prosecution’s evidence failed to establish any case against him.”
The case has been adjourned until October 10, when the presiding judge is expected to deliver a ruling on the no-case submission. However, Hon. Aguocha revealed that significant political discussions are concurrently unfolding behind the scenes. “We are eagerly looking forward to October 10th,” he remarked. “But in the meantime, between now and that 10th, there are a lot of discussions going around between the government side, the family of Nnamdi Kanu, and the defense, about possibly seeking a political solution. The momentum is still there.”
According to Hon. Aguocha, the federal government has undeniably made its point by subjecting Kanu to trial, thereby demonstrating the gravity of the charges. Nevertheless, with the prosecution’s case now closed and approximately 700 pages of evidence and video materials submitted, the next steps, he posited, must be deliberate and oriented towards national reconciliation.
“I believe we are at a crossroad whereby the government ought to think about it holistically, whether conviction is the right way to go,” he explained. “Nobody has foreclosed the issue of seeking a political solution. That is also happening today, between the government, the family, and the defense.”
The federal lawmaker drew attention to what he described as a concerning disparity in how similar cases have been handled within Nigeria’s judicial history. He cautioned that Kanu’s continued detention risks perpetuating dangerous perceptions of systemic injustice, particularly towards the Igbo people. “It appears in Nigeria, the way it is being governed, that there are two sets of rules,” Aguocha asserted. “One for every other Nigerian, and one for the Igbos. I wouldn’t want, especially in the administration of criminal justice, to reinforce that wrongly held perception that the Igbos are finding it difficult in the system.”
Hon. Aguocha also highlighted recent federal appointments made by President Bola Tinubu, expressing dismay at the complete exclusion of Igbo individuals from the latest list of ten appointees, which included figures like Mohammed Babangida. “Just yesterday, the president appointed about 10 persons to various boards and agencies, not one Igbo name on the list,” he lamented. “We continue to be treated as if we are just basic persons in the Project Nigeria, when we are a major, constitutional tribe in this country. We deserve respect, inclusion, and justice.”
He concluded by emphasizing that the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains the paramount concern for the people of the Southeast. He urged the federal government to make a bold decision to embrace political reconciliation for the sake of peace and national integration, asserting, “There is no other singular issue that is more important to the Igbo man than the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Even where others are silent about it, I will not be silent about it.”
