According to Independent News, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Obi Aguocha, who represents the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives, discussed the recent court verdict involving the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In the interview, he addressed concerns about the fairness of the proceedings, the limited opportunities Kanu had to defend himself, and the government’s refusal to consider political solutions. Joy Anigbogu provides the excerpts.
Aguocha noted that although Kanu’s matter has now passed through the judicial process, it has been a decade-long legal battle. He referenced Section 174 of the Constitution, which empowers the President through the Attorney-General—to discontinue a case even before judgement is delivered.
He explained that he attended court sessions regularly and even encountered information during the proceedings that was new to him, despite being present almost every time with Kanu’s legal representatives.
Aguocha expressed relief that before leaving the court, consultants who previously served on Kanu’s legal team confirmed that he intends to appeal the ruling within the 90-days window at the Court of Appeal. According to him, the legal journey is far from over.
Aguocha urged the public to remain peaceful and avoid any actions that could threaten order. He emphasised the need to let the judicial process run its full course, all the way to the Supreme Court, without disruptions to public life.
He stressed the importance of prayers for Kanu, his family, Nigeria as a whole, and his legal team so that they would have the clarity and strength required to prepare a strong appeal.
Responding to Kanu’s behaviour during the trial, Aguocha said he disagreed with those who criticised him. He pointed out that anyone kept in solitary confinement for nearly ten years would likely react similarly. He added that Kanu had not been given adequate opportunities to present his defence.
Referring to Section 36 of the Constitution, Aguocha noted that the rights of a defendant in a criminal case are clearly outlined, yet Kanu was denied those privileges. He said the legal consultants could explain more, but there were moments when they were prevented from meeting their client or preparing their defence.
He described the entire process as marked by repeated frustrations and reiterated that the speed with which the matter was handled suggested an uneven application of legal standards.
Aguocha made it clear that he is not a lawyer but believes Kanu’s decision-making was likely influenced by legal advice. Many observers were surprised when he disengaged his lawyers, but Aguocha believes the outcome would still have been the same due to what he described as a rush to deliver judgement.
He said his efforts were simply part of his duty as a representative. To him, leadership requires speaking up for constituents, regardless of how difficult the circumstances may be. He also mentioned that he has advocated for others, including workers who lost their jobs, through public petition procedures.
For Aguocha, true representation means standing for the truth and not defending wrongful actions. His involvement in Kanu’s matter, he said, was for the benefit of Kanu, his constituency, and the entire Igbo nation.
He maintained that a political resolution has always been possible and questioned why such an option has been applied to others but not to Kanu. He vowed to remain committed to the matter “till the last dog dies”, insisting that his constituent deserves justice through lawful means.
He said, “Even the judge in his ruling saw him as somebody who genuinely was also trying to help his people.”
Aguocha added that when Kanu spoke about threats such as the Janjaweed encroaching on farmlands in the South-East, he was acting out of a desire to protect his community.
He insisted that Kanu’s agitation for self-determination was not a crime and emphasised that no evidence was presented suggesting he ordered anyone to harm others.
He warned that criminal activities in the region may escalate during the Christmas season, as some individuals exploit Kanu’s detention for personal gain.
Aguocha noted that had there been a political solution earlier, it would have been easier to identify and address those responsible for crime in the South-East.
He dismissed any notion that the region is now vulnerable to external threats because of the court ruling. According to him, communities in the South-East remain prepared to defend their people, institutions, and homeland, which in turn contributes to safeguarding Nigeria as a whole.
Aguocha called on government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, and the clergy to come together and strategize on the way forward following Kanu’s conviction.
He described the judgement as a clear miscarriage of justice, saying it was delivered hastily. He admitted he was not surprised by the conviction, because no defence, in his view, would have changed the predetermined outcome.
He concluded by saying that the international community is observing Nigeria closely, especially regarding concerns about attacks on Christians and the prolonged detention and eventual sentencing of Kanu. View, More,
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