A federal lawmaker, Hon. Obinna Aguocha, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise his constitutional powers and halt the ongoing prosecution of the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. In a detailed letter dated November 17, 2025, and addressed to the President at the Aso Rock Villa, Aguocha insisted that Nigeria’s national stability and unity now depend heavily on a political, rather than strictly legal, resolution of Kanu’s case.
Aguocha argued that Kanu’s extended detention and the prolonged court proceedings have worsened tension in the South-East and heightened distrust between the region and the federal government. He noted that insecurity, economic stagnation, and civil disturbances in the zone are all linked in some way to the unresolved matter of Kanu’s incarceration. According to him, sustaining the prosecution has become “counterproductive,” as it continues to inflame emotions and jeopardise peace efforts.
In his letter, the lawmaker reminded the President that Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue criminal proceedings through a nolle prosequi when doing so is in the public interest. He stressed that Kanu’s trial has raised significant constitutional questions—particularly regarding his extraordinary rendition from Kenya and the use of repealed legal provisions in the charges against him. Continuing with the trial, he argued, would in effect endorse violations of due process and constitutional safeguards.
Aguocha further maintained that Kanu’s release would send a powerful message of reconciliation, rebuild trust—especially among the Igbo people—and help repair Nigeria’s damaged global image regarding human rights and justice. He said that freeing the separatist leader would demonstrate statesmanship and a commitment to healing long-standing national wounds.
According to him, “A President shows true leadership when he looks beyond political pressures and chooses unity, peace, and reconciliation. The release of Nnamdi Kanu at this time will generate tremendous goodwill, calm regional tensions, and rekindle citizens’ confidence in the fairness of the justice system.”
Aguocha ultimately urged President Tinubu to seize the opportunity to promote harmony and chart a new course for national cohesion by ordering an immediate discontinuation of the case.