Tinubu Urges Sanctions Against Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest
The Presidency has accused Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, of engaging in subjudice conduct by participating in the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja. It called on legal authorities to take disciplinary action against him.
The allegation was made on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
Onanuga wrote, “I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore.”
He questioned the lawyer’s judgment in joining the protest while Kanu’s treason trial is still before the court.
“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 wrote.
According to Onanuga, the prosecution had already concluded its case against Kanu, and it was now the responsibility of his defence team to focus on legal strategy rather than street demonstrations.
Onanuga stated, “The prosecution has concluded its case, and it is now incumbent upon Mr. Ejimakor and the other lawyers to mount a strong defense 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.”
He further argued that Ejimakor’s participation in the protest raised ethical concerns about his professional conduct as 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.
Onanuga’s remarks come amid ongoing protests in Abuja and other cities, calling for the unconditional release of Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The demonstrations, spearheaded by activist Omoyele Sowore, have drawn reactions from various quarters, including human rights groups and government officials.
Naija News House earlier reported that the police arrested Ejimakor, and Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, over the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
Confirming the development, human rights activist and convener of the Take It Back movement, Omoyele Sowore, demanded their immediate release by the Nigerian police authorities.
Naija News House had earlier reported that security operatives on Monday fired tear gas canisters at Sowore, several clergymen, and their supporters during a protest at the Transcorp Hilton area of Abuja.
The protesters, who had gathered to demand Kanu’s release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), were dispersed by heavily armed police officers deployed around the hotel and adjoining streets.
Among the demonstrators were pastors and members of civil society organisations who were chanting solidarity songs before security agents moved in, firing multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse them.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force had earlier fired tear gas in the Maitama area of Abuja, dispersing passersby and commuters amid heightened tension ahead of the planned #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest.
Witnesses said many people who were simply on their way to work were caught in the chaos and scampered for safety.
Security forces, including soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have since taken over strategic parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and adjoining routes leading to Aso Rock.
The lockdown follows warnings issued by the Nigeria Police Force on Sunday, cautioning organisers to “stay clear of restricted areas” and maintain peace.
Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021 following his arrest in Kenya and subsequent extraordinary rendition to Nigeria, faces charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.
His lawyers have consistently maintained that his continued detention violates court orders granting him bail and have called for his release.
