Obi Aguocha, a member of the House of Representatives, made a fervent plea before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, pleading with Justice James Omotosho to grant mercy to Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as the court was getting ready to sentence him.
The Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State is represented by Aguocha, who appeared in court to introduce himself and make what he called a personal appeal on behalf of his “brother, friend, and constituent.”
The legislator introduced himself to the court by stating, “My lord, I am Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s direct representative.” This is the reason you see me here nearly every time, demonstrating my presence and support for him.
Despite being older than Kanu, Aguocha stated that they went to the same elementary and secondary schools, which made him more determined to speak up for Kanu.
The legislator begged the court to take into account how the ruling would affect peace and stability in the South-East and throughout Nigeria.
“My lord, I beg for mercy, clemency, and peace and stability, not just in the South-East but in Nigeria,” he uttered. Nigeria is suffering, and we need to come up with shared answers to our shared issues.
Aguocha argued that “other actors outside this courtroom are also doing worse” and urged the prosecution and the court to place Kanu’s activities within the larger context of national insecurity.
Aguocha told the court that Kanu’s trial had lasted for about ten years and that the IPOB leader, who is currently in his mid-50s, had been denied personal freedom and family life for a number of years.
“I beg the Lord to temper justice with mercy and to show mercy. As a friend of the court, I am grateful for the chance to speak to you,” he continued.
For allowing him to make the humanitarian appeal, he thanked Justice Omotosho.
Judge Omotosho found Nnamdi Kanu guilty on all seven terrorism-related accusations brought against him by the Federal Government shortly after Aguocha entered his plea.
After that, the judge halted the proceedings and instructed anyone who wanted to watch the sentencing to come back to court between 10 and 4 p.m., when the sentencing phase is supposed to resume.
