A federal lawmaker, Hon. Obinna Aguocha, has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to invoke Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to discontinue the prosecution of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In the letter dated November 17, 2025, and addressed to the President at the Aso Rock Villa, made available to News men, Aguocha argued that the prolonged detention and trial of Kanu have escalated regional tension, deepened mistrust, and undermined public confidence in government institutions.
According to him, continuing the legal process has become counterproductive and now threatens national peace and unity. He described the current situation in the South-East, marked by insecurity, economic decline, and persistent civil unrest, as a direct consequence of Kanu’s prolonged detention.
Aguocha noted that the Constitution empowers the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue criminal proceedings through the instrument of nolle prosequi when the pursuit of prosecution no longer serves the national interest.
He also highlighted alleged constitutional defects in Kanu’s trial, including questions surrounding his extraordinary rendition from Kenya and prosecution under repealed legal provisions, insisting that proceeding further would amount to validating unconstitutional actions.
The lawmaker further stated that releasing Kanu would foster national reconciliation, restore trust among citizens, particularly the Igbo, and strengthen Nigeria’s global democratic ranking.
“Leadership is most profoundly demonstrated when a President rises above immediate politics to embrace a vision of national healing. The release of Nnamdi Kanu at this moment will unlock transformative goodwill, ease regional tensions, and restore faith in the justice system,” the letter read in part.
