A storm is brewing in the legal and political circles after President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, demanded disciplinary action against Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, for participating in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.
The fiery presidential aide took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday to slam Ejimakor for marching alongside activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in the protest demanding the release of the detained IPOB leader.
Onanuga accused Ejimakor of crossing professional lines, saying his participation was a direct violation of legal ethics while Kanu’s case is still before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“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, instead of focusing on strengthening Kanu’s defence, Ejimakor opted for “street theatrics” by aligning with Sowore, whom he described as a “career anarchist.”
“Rather than focusing on preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to extra-legal tactics, joining a career anarchist to influence the process. Ejimakor’s action questions his adherence to professional ethics,” he added.
Onanuga further called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to wade in and sanction Ejimakor for what he termed “unethical behaviour.”
The call has stirred sharp debate online, with many Nigerians divided over whether Ejimakor’s public protest amounts to a breach of legal decorum or a legitimate act of advocacy.
