Rep Member Pleads for Leniency as Court Prepares to Sentence Nnamdi Kanu

A member of the House of Representatives, Obi Aguocha, on Thursday urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to show leniency to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, ahead of his sentencing.

Aguocha, who represents the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, made the plea before Justice James Omotosho, describing Kanu as both a constituent and someone he has known since childhood.

Identifying himself before the court, the lawmaker said he felt obligated to speak on Kanu’s behalf. “My lord, I am the direct representative of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. That is why you see me here almost every time, showing presence and solidarity with him,” he stated.

He explained that he and Kanu attended the same primary and secondary schools, adding that the prolonged legal ordeal had deeply affected the defendant, who has been separated from his family for years.

Aguocha appealed to the court to “temper justice with mercy,” stressing that the case carries significant implications for stability in the South-East and the wider country. “My lord, I plead for mercy, I plead for clemency, and I appeal for peace and stability — not just in the South-East, but in Nigeria. Nigeria is bleeding, and we must find common solutions to our common problems,” he added.

He also urged the prosecution to consider Nigeria’s broader security context, noting that “other actors outside this courtroom are also doing worse.”

After hearing the plea, Justice Omotosho convicted Kanu on all seven terrorism-related charges brought against him. The judge then stood the matter down and directed those interested in witnessing the sentencing to return to the courtroom by 3:50 p.m.

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