•Presidency urges NBA, LPDC to discipline Kanu’s lawyer
• Says joining protest undermines legal ethics and court process
• Accuses Omoyele Sowore of mobilising “career anarchists”
The Presidency has urged legal authorities in Nigeria to sanction Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, for participating in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest held on Monday in Abuja.
The call was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
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Onanuga condemned Ejimakor’s decision to join the rally, describing it as a “violation of legal ethics” since Kanu’s case remains before a competent court.
> “I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore,” Onanuga wrote.
“I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest. As a lawyer, he should be aware of the principle of sub judice, particularly in relation to the ongoing treason case before the court.”
According to Onanuga, the prosecution has already closed its case, making it imperative for Kanu’s defence team to focus on presenting evidence in court instead of resorting to what he termed “extra-legal tactics.”
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“Rather than preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has joined a career anarchist to influence the process. His action questions his adherence to professional ethics,” the presidential aide stated.
Onanuga further called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to investigate Ejimakor’s conduct and apply necessary sanctions.
“Relevant legal bodies must examine this unethical behaviour. No lawyer should be seen undermining the sanctity of the court process,” he added.
Ejimakor’s participation in the Abuja protest came amid widespread calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, despite several court orders granting him bail.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore led Monday’s protest, which was dispersed by security operatives after tear gas and gunfire were allegedly used against demonstrators.
