Abuja, FCT — The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to sanction Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers representing detained IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, for allegedly breaching professional ethics.
Onanuga made the call following Ejimakor’s participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest held in Abuja, which was led by human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
In a post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Onanuga described Ejimakor’s involvement in the protest as “unethical”, “irresponsible”, and a violation of legal principles, especially as Kanu’s trial is still ongoing.
“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.”
The presidential aide further accused the lawyer of engaging in “extra-legal tactics” instead of focusing on the judicial process.
“Rather than preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to joining a career anarchist to influence the process,” Onanuga said.
“His action calls into question his adherence to professional ethics and respect for the judicial process.”
Onanuga urged the NBA and LPDC to probe Ejimakor’s conduct and determine whether disciplinary action should be taken, saying:
“It is now up to the relevant legal authorities to examine Mr. Ejimakor’s conduct and determine whether disciplinary measures are warranted.”
Background to the Protest
The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, was organized by civil rights activists demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 following his re-arrest abroad.
Protesters, including Sowore and Ejimakor, converged near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday. However, the rally turned chaotic after security operatives fired gunshots into the air to disperse the demonstrators.
Eyewitnesses said the protest, which began peacefully, descended into confusion as protesters fled for safety while police officers advanced on the scene.
Videos circulating online showed demonstrators chanting, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now!” before the situation escalated.
Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, despite several court rulings ordering his release.
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