By Chinazaekpere Chinwendu
Abuja |November 21, 2025 —
A renewed wave of reactions has followed the conviction of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, prompting the Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, to call for restraint, patience, and confidence in the appellate process.
Speaking in an interview with Arise television after the judgment, Aguocha reaffirmed his commitment to stand by his constituent and defend what he described as “a clear case of injustice that must not be ignored by a democratic society.”
Aguocha, who has been widely acknowledged for his consistent advocacy on Kanu’s legal and human rights concerns, stressed that the outcome of the trial was not unexpected, given the limitations, restrictions, and pressures surrounding the proceedings. According to him, the struggle for justice is far from over.
“Justice is not lost,” he said firmly. “The appellate courts will provide the opportunity for a more transparent assessment of the issues. I urge our people, wherever you are, to remain calm, go about your businesses, and not destroy your own properties. Peace is our strength, not violence.”
The lawmaker condemned what he described as a “rush to judgment,” noting that Kanu’s access to his lawyers, case files, and proper defense had been severely constrained. He stated that the emotional outburst witnessed in court, where Kanu struggled to get his files after emerging from solitary confinement, was a direct consequence of the harsh conditions he has endured for years.
“Solitary confinement for nearly ten years would break even the strongest of men,” Aguocha lamented. “What happened in court today was not aggression, it was the frustration of a man who has been pushed to the wall. Even the judge acknowledged that his intentions were always toward defending his people.”
Aguocha went on to caution against attributing violent crimes in the Southeast to Kanu, insisting no evidence has ever been produced linking him to killings or armed attacks. He noted that several criminal groups opportunistically hide under Kanu’s name to perpetrate violence and destabilize the region.
“Nobody has ever come to any court of law to say, ‘I killed because Nnamdi Kanu instructed me,” he emphasized.
“Many of those committing crimes are hiding behind his detention to justify their actions. A political solution could have helped separate genuine agitation from criminality.”
Calling for unity across the Southeast, he appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civic organizations, and political stakeholders to come together and reassess the region’s collective pathway following the judgment.
“This is a wake-up call,” he stated.
“We must defend our farmlands, our women, our children, and our communities. We must also defend the truth. The Southeast is not porous and cannot be a playground for violence or any form of external aggression.”
Aguocha also expressed encouragement at the comments from a U.S. Congressional hearing where Kanu’s conviction was described as a “travesty of justice,” noting that global attention is now firmly on Nigeria’s handling of human rights, rule of law, and judicial transparency.
“The world is watching,” he said. “There is no need to pretend. This case has raised questions about fair hearing and due process, and we welcome the scrutiny because it strengthens our democracy.”
Reflecting on his personal involvement in the matter, Aguocha dismissed suggestions that his advocacy was extraordinary, asserting that he simply fulfilled the oath of representation he swore.
“What I am doing is not extraordinary,” he said. “It is what every representative ought to do, speak for their people, stand in the gap, and defend truth. My sacrifice was for my constituent, for my constituency, and for the Igbo nation. I will remain in this struggle until the last day, and I urge Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to continue to seek justice through constitutional means.”
As Kanu’s legal team prepares to file an appeal, Aguocha’s message to the Southeast remains consistent; calm, patience, vigilance, and unwavering faith in the pursuit of justice.
0 Comments