A member of the House of Representatives, Obi Aguocha, appealed to the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday to show mercy toward the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, ahead of his sentencing.
Aguocha, who represents Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South in Abia State, told Justice James Omotosho that he felt a deeply personal obligation to speak on Kanu’s behalf.
He explained that he and Kanu attended both primary and secondary school together, stressing their long-standing relationship. He also noted the tremendous personal cost the legal battle has had on Kanu, who has spent years separated from his family.
Aguocha urged the court to “temper justice with mercy,” warning that the outcome of the case could have wider implications. “I plead for mercy, I plead for clemency, and I appeal for peace and stability not just in the South‑East, but in Nigeria,” he said, citing the fragile state of national unity.
He also addressed the prosecution directly, calling for a broader view of the country’s security situation. He reasoned that others outside the courtroom are contributing more to instability, implying that a harsh sentence could worsen tensions.
Following his plea, Justice Omotosho returned a guilty verdict on all seven terrorism-related charges against Kanu. The court then recessed and told observers to return by 3:50 p.m. for the sentencing.
