The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has appointed a federal lawmaker from Abia State, Hon. Obi Aguocha, to represent him in discussions with the Nigerian government over his continued detention and trial.
This was disclosed in a letter signed by Kanu’s lead counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, and addressed to Hon. Aguocha, who represents Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
In the letter, Kanu officially gave Aguocha the authority to engage with the Federal Government to find a political solution to his case and to push for an end to his prosecution.
The letter, titled “RE: Letter of Authority to Interface With The Federal Government on Behalf of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” clearly outlined the scope of the lawmaker’s mandate.
The statement reads:
“We are Solicitors to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (hereafter: Our Client), on whose behalf and firm instruction we write this letter, conveying the following to you.
“That you are hereby authorized by our Client to approach the Federal Government, with a view to resolving the matter of our Client’s continued detention, prosecution, and all issues related thereto.
“That in your interactions with the Federal Government, you shall have the free hand and authority to exercise your discretion and independent judgment to decide what is in our Client’s best interest.”
The letter further instructed Aguocha to focus on peaceful and political means to secure Kanu’s release.
“In particular, you have the authority of our Client to approach and engage the Federal Government, with a view to seeking a political solution to the matter of his release from detention and discontinuance of his prosecution,” it added.
Kanu also asked that Aguocha work closely with his legal team during the negotiation process. The letter expressed confidence in the lawmaker’s ability to handle the sensitive assignment and thanked him for taking up the responsibility.
Kanu’s legal team concluded by saying:
“While thanking you for your commitment to this task, please be assured of our Client’s abiding respect for your person and high office.”
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the separatist group IPOB, was first arrested in 2015 but later released on bail. In 2021, he was re-arrested and brought back to Nigeria from Kenya under controversial circumstances. He has since been in detention facing charges including treasonable felony and terrorism-related offences.
Despite court orders granting him bail and even dismissing some of the charges, the Federal Government has continued to detain him, citing national security concerns.
Several political leaders, including state governors, lawmakers, and traditional rulers, have over the years called for a political solution to the matter, arguing that Kanu’s continued detention fuels unrest in the South-East region.
Kanu’s decision to appoint a sitting member of the House of Representatives for direct talks with the Federal Government signals a possible shift towards dialogue. Hon. Aguocha, known for his calm and diplomatic approach, is expected to bring a fresh voice to the ongoing debate about peace and justice in the South-East.
