By Chinazaekpere Chinwendu,
Abuja, Nigeria – July 22, 2025
The Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has called for a fair and political resolution in the ongoing trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), emphasizing the need for justice, equity, and national unity.
In a strongly worded statement during a media interview on Monday, Hon. Aguocha affirmed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is one of his constituents, had filed a no-case submission after the Federal Government concluded its prosecution.
The lawmaker explained that the defense’s position was that the prosecution failed to establish any substantive case warranting a defense.
“Nnamdi Kanu, of course, is one of my constituents,” Hon. Aguocha began. “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.”
He noted that the matter has been adjourned to October 10, when the presiding judge is expected to rule on whether to uphold the no-case submission or order the defense to open their case. But beyond the courtroom, Aguocha revealed that key political dialogues are quietly unfolding.
“We are eagerly looking forward to October 10th,” he said. “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 already made its point by subjecting Kanu to trial, showing the seriousness of the charges. However, with the prosecution’s case closed and about 700 pages of evidence and video materials submitted, the next move should be deliberate and in the interest of 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 pointed out the glaring disparity in how similar cases have been handled for others in Nigeria’s judicial history. He cautioned that the continued detention of Kanu risks reinforcing dangerous perceptions of systemic injustice toward 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 mentioned the recent federal appointments made by President Bola Tinubu, citing the complete exclusion of Igbos from the latest list of ten appointees, which included individuals 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 emphasized that the release of Nnamdi Kanu remains a top priority for the people of the Southeast, calling on the federal government to make the bold decision to embrace political reconciliation for the sake of peace and national integration.
“There is no other singular issue that is more important to the Igbo man than the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Hon. Aguocha concluded. “Even where others are silent about it, I will not be silent about it.”
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