Tension as Lawmaker Raises Alarm Over ‘Ethnic Bias’ in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Agbocha, has stirred debate over alleged ethnic bias in the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, warning that the proceedings risk being perceived as an ethnic conflict between the Yoruba and Igbo communities.
Speaking in an interview after Thursday’s court session in Abuja, where Kanu dismissed his legal team and opted to represent himself, Agbocha claimed that “certain elements within the Yoruba community” appear to be handling the prosecution in a manner that fuels ethnic suspicion.
“The judge is Yoruba, the prosecution team all of them are Yoruba, the Attorney-General is Yoruba, and Mr. President is Yoruba. It appears that for some elements within the Yoruba community, this case is beginning to look like a new civil war between the Yorubas and the Igbos. It shouldn’t be like that,” the lawmaker said.
Agbocha, who was in court when Kanu announced his decision to defend himself, described the development as both surprising and courageous, saying it reflects the IPOB leader’s desire to take full control of his case.
He disclosed that Kanu’s legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had formally withdrawn from the case after a meeting with the IPOB leader on Wednesday. “None of us expected it. The judge was also shocked when Kanu confirmed that he would take charge of his defence,” Agbocha noted.
The lawmaker, however, insisted that Kanu’s constitutional rights must be fully respected, citing Section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees an accused person the right to adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence.
He accused the Federal Government of attempting to “rush” Kanu’s trial, saying the five days granted for his defence were inadequate given the complexity of the case. “The prosecution had over ten years to prepare its case. The defence deserves equal time to prepare and summon witnesses,” he argued.
Agbocha also raised concerns about the arrest of one of Kanu’s lawyers, A.J. Michael, who was detained alongside other activists after a protest demanding the IPOB leader’s release. He condemned calls by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga for disciplinary action against the lawyer, describing them as “an attempt to silence dissent.”
“What professional misconduct are they talking about? Section 40 of the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian, including lawyers, the right to peaceful assembly,” Agbocha stated.
The lawmaker further alleged that the composition of the judicial and prosecutorial teams in the trial has deepened ethnic mistrust, urging the Federal Government to ensure fairness and transparency.
“It’s not about tribe, but justice must not only be done it must be seen to be done,” he said, warning that perceived bias could heighten ethnic tensions and undermine confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has yet to respond to the claims. The next hearing in Kanu’s trial is expected to continue next week, as the IPOB leader prepares to conduct his own defence following the withdrawal of his legal team.
