A member of the House of Representatives, Obi Aguocha appeared before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, pleading for mercy for detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Describing Kanu as his brother, friend, and constituent, Aguocha said they attended primary and secondary school together and that he felt a personal duty to speak on his behalf.
He urged the court to temper justice with mercy, highlighting the prolonged nature of the case (nearly a decade) and Kanu’s absence from family and community.
“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.
Justice Omotosho subsequently convicted Kanu on all seven terrorism counts.
Proceedings were stood down, with a directive for those wishing to witness sentencing to return at 3 pm.