House of Reps pleads mercy for Nnamdi Kanu
A member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Obi Aguocha, has made an emotional plea for clemency for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following Kanu’s conviction on terrorism charges.
Speaking before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Aguocha urged the court to “temper justice with mercy.” He described Kanu not just as a political figure but as his “brother, friend, and constituent,” noting that they went to primary and secondary school together.
Aguocha pleaded that a harsh sentence might worsen tensions in the South-East and across Nigeria, and argued that leniency could help usher in peace and stability. He also pointed out that Kanu’s long trial nearly a decade has cost him dearly, separating him from his family, community, and children.
Beyond his appeal to the court, Aguocha called on the prosecution to consider the broader security challenges facing the country, suggesting that other actors outside the courtroom may be contributing more to instability.
