Chinazaekpere Chinwendu, Reporter
Abuja |November 5, 2025 —
The Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has raised serious concerns over what he described as a systematic plan to “steamroll and railroad” the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, into conviction.
Speaking to journalists after observing court proceedings in Abuja, Hon. Aguocha, who has consistently identified himself as the official representative of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the National Assembly, said he was deeply troubled by what he witnessed.
He emphasized that due process and constitutional safeguards must be strictly adhered to before any further step is taken in the case.
“I represent Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. From what I saw today, there seems to be a systematic effort being put in place to steamroll and railroad Mazi Nnamdi Kanu into putting up a defense that could lead to a conviction,” Hon. Aguocha said.
“There are procedural issues that must first be heard and determined before the matter can go forward, and I believe that is the motion the court should attend to by tomorrow.”
The lawmaker described Nnamdi Kanu as a prisoner of conscience, reiterating his long-held view that the IPOB leader’s continued detention is unconstitutional and politically motivated. He noted that the federal government must pursue a political rather than punitive solution to the lingering issue.
“Nnamdi Kanu remains a prisoner of conscience. He is being detained unlawfully, and it is important that Nigeria, as a democratic nation, respects the rule of law and human rights,” Aguocha declared.
“We are also using this medium to continually call on Mr. President to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, for the Attorney-General to enter a nolle prosequi at least before the determination of the court.”
According to Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, the Attorney-General of the Federation has the power to discontinue criminal proceedings in the interest of justice. Aguocha said invoking this constitutional provision would pave the way for peace and national healing.
“We are very optimistic that the President we know is attentive and listening. We believe he will do the right thing in the shortest possible time. Nigeria needs reconciliation, not further division,” he stated.
The federal lawmaker urged the judiciary and the executive arms of government to act with caution, fairness, and respect for constitutional rights, warning that any attempt to fast-track Kanu’s conviction would not only erode public confidence in the justice system but also threaten national cohesion.
Hon. Aguocha reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing a peaceful and political resolution to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, stressing that dialogue and justice remain the only viable paths toward unity and stability in Nigeria.
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