Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called for disciplinary measures against Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Onanuga accused the lawyer of professional misconduct after he participated in a protest in Abuja demanding the release of his client.
Ejimakor was among demonstrators led by activist, Omoyele Sowore, who converged on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday to call for Kanu’s freedom.
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The IPOB leader has remained in custody since his re-arrest in 2021 and is currently facing trial on charges bordering on treasonable felony.
Reacting to the protest, Onanuga took to his official X handle to criticise Ejimakor’s action, describing it as “shambolic” and unbecoming of a legal practitioner.
“I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest,” Onanuga wrote.
“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.”
The presidential aide accused Ejimakor of abandoning his professional responsibilities in favour of what he termed “extra-legal tactics” aimed at influencing judicial proceedings.
“Rather than focusing on preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to extra-legal tactics, joining a career anarchist, to influence the process,” Onanuga said.
He further questioned the lawyer’s adherence to professional ethics and urged relevant legal bodies to intervene.
“Ejimakor’s action questions his commitment to the ethics of the legal profession. Legal authorities should consider appropriate sanctions for the unethical conduct of the bearded lawyer,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ejimakor said he had been arrested alongside some protesters and taken to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command headquarters in Abuja.
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), which is responsible for maintaining ethical standards within the profession, is yet to issue any statement regarding Onanuga’s call.
