. Lawmaker urges judge to ‘temper justice with mercy’
A member of the House of Representatives, Obi Aguocha, on Thursday, pleaded with Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to show mercy to the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, in sentencing him for the terrorism offences he has been convicted of.
Aguocha, who represents the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, made this personal appeal before the court on behalf of the IPOB leader, whom he described as a brother, friend and constituent.
The lawmaker while Introducing himself, said, “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.”
Aguocha told the court that he and the IPOB leader attended primary and secondary school together, noting that despite being Kanu’s senior, he felt a personal responsibility to speak for him, especially in his capacity as a federal lawmaker.
He pleaded passionately with the court to temper justice with mercy, citing the implications of the case on peace and stability in the South-East and the country at large.
“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 said.
The lawmaker also urged the prosecution to consider the broader context of insecurity, adding that other actors outside the courtroom “are also doing worse” than Kanu.
Aguocha reminded the court that Kanu’s trial had lasted nearly a decade and that the defendant, now in his mid-50s, had been absent from his family and community for years.
“I plead for the lord to show mercy and temper justice with mercy. I am a friend of the court, and I appreciate the opportunity to address you,” he said.
Justice Omotosho later convicted Kanu on all seven counts of terrorism levelled against him.
The judge later stood down proceedings in the case, urging anyone willing to witness Kanu’s sentencing to return to court at 15 minutes to 4 pm.
