The Presidency has criticised Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lead counsels to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, for participating in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest organised by activist Omoyele Sowore in Abuja.
Reacting in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed disappointment over Ejimakor’s involvement, describing the demonstration 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 said Ejimakor’s participation was inappropriate given his role as a counsel in an ongoing treason trial, warning that such actions could breach the principle of sub judice, which bars public commentary or activities capable of influencing a case before the court.
“As a lawyer, he should understand the principle of sub judice, especially in a sensitive treason case still before the court. The prosecution has concluded its presentation, and it is now his duty—as defence counsel—to focus on preparing a solid case for his client,” Onanuga stated.
He accused Ejimakor of resorting to “extra-legal tactics” instead of concentrating on court proceedings, adding that joining forces with what he called a “career anarchist” like Sowore was unprofessional and unethical.
“Rather than focusing on the law, Mr. Ejimakor has chosen to align with agitators outside the courtroom to influence public sentiment,” Onanuga added.
The presidential spokesman also urged relevant legal and professional bodies to examine Ejimakor’s conduct, describing it as contrary to the ethics of the legal profession.
Nnamdi Kanu, the 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, facing charges related to treasonable felony and other offences.
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