Member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Obi Aguocha of the Labour Party, has defended the decision of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to dismiss his legal team and represent himself in court, describing it as a constitutional right under Nigerian law.
Speaking on ARISE News on Thursday, Aguocha, who was present in court during the dramatic session, said Kanu’s action, though surprising to many, was well within his rights as guaranteed under Section 36(6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides that a person charged with a criminal or capital offence may conduct his own defence.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu had discussions with his legal team yesterday, and all of us were shocked when we came to court and the Honourable Attorney General announced that himself and the defence counsel, especially those from the Inner Bar, were withdrawing. The judge was equally surprised and asked Nnamdi Kanu, who confirmed that for now, he would take charge of his defence,” Aguocha explained.
He added that Kanu’s decision does not preclude the possibility of bringing in new lawyers later.
“It doesn’t mean that if tomorrow an opportunity arises, lawyers will not be part of it. But for now, he has chosen to defend himself,” he said.
The lawmaker stressed that Kanu must be given adequate time and access to facilities to prepare his defence.
“Section 36(6)(b) of the Constitution guarantees his right to adequate time and facilities to prepare for his defence. The prosecution had over ten years to build its case; it is only fair that the defence is also allowed reasonable time to prepare,” Aguocha stated.
He criticised what he described as the government’s rush to conclude the case.
“The prosecution has called its witnesses and rested its case, but Kanu has been given only five days to present his defence. That’s inadequate for a capital offence with such national and security implications,” he said.
Aguocha also expressed concern that discussions between Kanu and his lawyers might not have been private.
“The court granted him three hours to meet with his lawyers in Court Seven, but that courtroom is equipped with cameras and audio devices. If the concern was about eavesdropping at the DSS facility, what assurance do we have that it’s not happening in court?” he asked.
On whether Kanu’s decision was impulsive or strategic, Aguocha said the IPOB leader appeared composed and confident.
“If you were in court today, you would see that Nnamdi Kanu is an intelligent and articulate man. He understands the law and the implications of his choices. He made the decision after consulting his senior advocates, who respected his right to do so,” he said.
The lawmaker also commented on the arrest of one of Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, who was detained after joining a peaceful protest calling for Kanu’s release.
“I visited Ejimakor in detention at Kuje Prison. The charges against him are bailable, and we hope the court will grant him bail. He has a right to peaceful assembly under Section 40 of the Constitution, and that right should not be violated,” Aguocha said.
He condemned what he called “selective justice” in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
“It appears that there are two sets of rules in this country—one for the Igbo man and another for everyone else. That must end,” he asserted.
Turning to internal issues in the Labour Party, Aguocha dismissed claims of factional leadership within the party.
“There is no faction in the Labour Party. Court judgments have reaffirmed that Mrs. Nneka Ousman remains the acting national chairman. INEC must respect that ruling,” he said.
Aguocha reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, saying:
“I remain Labour for life. Given the opportunity in 2027, the Labour Party will lead Nigeria into a new era.”