The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has harshly criticised Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, for participating in a protest held in Abuja.
In a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Onanuga described the protest as “shambolic” and called Ejimakor’s involvement “unethical and unbecoming of a legal practitioner.”
The protest, which reportedly demanded the release of Nnamdi Kanu, was led by rights activist Omoyele Sowore and held near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
Onanuga expressed concern that a lawyer actively involved in a sensitive treason case would take part in a public demonstration related to that same case.
“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.”
He went further to describe the action as a violation of the legal principle of sub judice, which discourages public commentary or actions that may influence ongoing court proceedings.
“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,” Onanuga added.
Onanuga also accused Ejimakor of abandoning proper legal channels by joining forces with “a career anarchist” in an attempt to influence public opinion or pressure the judiciary.
“Rather than focusing on preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to extra-legal tactics, joining a career anarchist, to influence the process,” he said.
He claimed that the lawyer’s behaviour not only undermined the legal process but also raised serious questions about his commitment to professional ethics.
Onanuga called on legal regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to examine Ejimakor’s conduct and consider appropriate disciplinary measures.
“Legal authorities should consider appropriate sanctions for the unethical conduct of the bearded lawyer,” he wrote.
The presidential aide’s remarks have sparked debate online, with some defending Ejimakor’s right to peaceful protest, while others questioned the appropriateness of his participation given his ongoing role in a high-profile legal case.
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is currently facing treason charges brought by the Federal Government. He has remained in detention since his arrest and extradition in 2021. His legal team and supporters have consistently called for his release and fair trial, citing health concerns and alleged violations of his rights.
Monday’s protest was part of ongoing efforts by activists and loyalists to put pressure on the government and judiciary for his release.
As of the time of this report, Aloy Ejimakor had not issued a public response to the allegations made by Onanuga.
