Hon. Obi Aguocha, a member of the House of Representatives under the Labour Party, has defended the decision of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to dismiss his legal team and represent himself in court, describing him as an intelligent man who understands the law and is capable of handling his defense.
Speaking on Arise News on Thursday from 12:12, October 23, 2025, Aguocha, who was present in court during the dramatic turn of events, said Kanu’s move was both constitutional and deliberate rather than impulsive.
“Listening to him in court gives you the impression that he is an intelligent man; he understands the law,” Aguocha stated, adding that Kanu’s demeanor and reasoning showed he had carefully considered his decision.
The Labour Party lawmaker noted that under Section 36(6)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, every defendant has the right to conduct their own defense, including the right to adequate time and facilities to prepare their case. He, however, cautioned that the court must ensure that Kanu is given sufficient time to review his case files, interact with witnesses, and organize his defense properly.
Aguocha revealed that the IPOB leader has already summoned 23 witnesses to testify in his defense and argued that rushing the proceedings would amount to a breach of fair hearing. “The prosecution has had over ten years to build its case. It would be unjust to expect the defense to conclude its preparation in just a few days,” he said.
He further dismissed suggestions that Kanu’s decision was driven by anger or chaos, explaining that the legal team was properly debriefed in line with the defendant’s constitutional rights.
According to Aguocha, Kanu’s action should not be viewed as self-destructive but as a strategy to assert control over his case and ensure transparency. “He made the decision consciously. He said, ‘For now, I am standing alone to defend myself,’ which does not mean new lawyers may not join him later,” the lawmaker clarified.
The lawmaker concluded by reiterating that Kanu’s decision to defend himself should be respected and that the judiciary must provide the necessary environment for a fair and transparent trial.
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