The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised one of the lawyers representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, for participating in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest organised by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore in Abuja.
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Mr Onanuga expressed disappointment over Mr Ejimakor’s decision to take part in what he described as a “shambolic protest.”
“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 one of Mr Kanu’s counsel in an ongoing treason trial, Mr Ejimakor should understand that participating in public demonstrations related to a matter before the court breaches the legal principle of sub judice, which prohibits public commentary or actions that might prejudice a pending case.
“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,” he stated.
Mr Onanuga further urged relevant legal authorities to consider disciplinary measures against the lawyer, describing his conduct as “unethical and unbecoming of a legal practitioner.”
“The presidential spokesman urged the relevant legal authorities to consider disciplinary action against Ejimakor, describing his conduct as unethical and unbecoming of a legal practitioner.”
The #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration, led by Mr Sowore, was held on Monday in Abuja but was dispersed after security operatives fired tear gas and gunshots to control the crowd.
Mr Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021 after jumping bail in 2017.
His ongoing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja centres on charges bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism-related offences.
