Hon Obi Aguocha, the Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has formally written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appealing for the invocation of Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to discontinue the prosecution of the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a detailed four-page letter dated November 17, 2025, Aguocha described the continued detention and prosecution of Kanu as a constitutional, political, and security challenge that has deepened tensions in the South-East and strained national unity. He warned that the situation has evolved beyond a legal issue into a national dilemma requiring statesmanship, courage, and constitutional sensitivity.
According to him, Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture where decisive action can heal wounds, restore trust, and strengthen national cohesion.
“The continuing prosecution and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu have evolved into a constitutional, political, and security quagmire,” Aguocha wrote. “It is time to cut this gordian knot through the prudent and statesmanlike invocation of Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution.”
Section 174 grants the Attorney-General of the Federation the power to discontinue criminal proceedings through nolle prosequi. Aguocha argued that this constitutional provision serves as a safety valve designed for moments when the strict pursuit of prosecution threatens broader national interest.
The lawmaker stressed that irregularities surrounding Kanu’s arrest and rendition from Kenya remain a major legal stain that undermines the State’s position. He emphasized that no defendant should be tried through unconstitutional means and still be expected to face a legitimate prosecution.
“Illegal rendition poisons the prosecution’s limbs,” he noted. “The State cannot profit from its own wrong. The continuation of the trial would amount to judicial validation of unconstitutional conduct.”
Aguocha also highlighted the wide-ranging benefits of discontinuing the prosecution, insisting that such a gesture would unlock significant national goodwill and reposition Nigeria positively on the global stage. He noted that the international community has continued to express concern over Kanu’s prolonged detention and the implications for human rights and rule of law.
“Discontinuing the prosecution would be heralded as a bold affirmation of your commitment to justice, rule of law, and conflict de-escalation,” he told the President. “It is an opportunity to position your administration as a standard-bearer for lawful and principled leadership.”
He further stressed that the release of Kanu would serve as a powerful reconciliation gesture toward the Igbo people, many of whom feel alienated and disillusioned by the prolonged detention of the IPOB leader.
“Among the Igbo people, the current mood is one of alienation and profound resentment,” Aguocha said. “A gesture of mercy at this critical moment would be received as an unmistakable olive branch… It would instantly rebuild confidence and open a pathway to lasting peace.”
The lawmaker concluded by urging the President to rise above political pressures and seize this historic opportunity to promote national unity, peace, and inclusion.
“Leadership is most profoundly demonstrated when a President rises above the clatter of immediate politics to embrace a vision of national healing and unity,” he wrote. “That act is simple but historic: Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu through the instrument of nolle prosequi.”
Aguocha expressed confidence that President Tinubu possesses the courage, vision, and sense of history required to take such a defining step, adding that millions of Nigerians, especially in the South-East, are yearning for renewed hope and justice.
0 Comments