Cynthia Ezegwu
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for participating in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest held in Abuja on Monday.
Onanuga, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, described Ejimakor’s participation in the demonstration organised by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore as “shambolic” and unprofessional.
“I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore. I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest,” Onanuga wrote.
The presidential aide argued that, as a legal practitioner, Ejimakor’s involvement in a public protest related to a case still before the court breached the principle of sub judice.
He said, “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 prosecution has concluded its case, and it is now incumbent upon Mr. Ejimakor and the other lawyers to mount a strong defence for Kanu.
“Rather than focusing on preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to extra-legal tactics, joining a career anarchist to influence the process.”
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Onanuga further urged relevant legal authorities to consider disciplinary measures against Ejimakor, describing his action as unethical and unbecoming of a lawyer.
“Ejimakor’s action questions his adherence to professional ethics. Legal authorities should consider appropriate sanctions for the unethical conduct of the bearded lawyer,” he added.
The #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, organised by Sowore, began around 7 a.m. near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, before security operatives fired tear gas canisters to disperse the demonstrators, including the activist.