Dare Babalola
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, has slammed Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, for joining the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest led by Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC).
This was contained in a post shared via his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Monday, where he expressed disappointment over Ejimakor’s decision to join the demonstration in Abuja.
Describing it as a “shambolic protest,” Onanuga wrote, “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.”
The presidential aide argued that as Kanu’s lawyer in the ongoing treason trial, Ejimakor should know better than to participate in public protests about a matter still in court, citing the principle of sub judice.
He added, “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.”
Onanuga further urged relevant legal authorities to consider disciplinary action against Ejimakor, describing his conduct as unethical and unbecoming of a legal practitioner.
He added, “Ejimakor’s action questions his adherence to professional ethics. Legal authorities should consider appropriate sanctions for the unethical conduct of the bearded lawyer.”
The #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration, organised by Sowore, began around 7 a.m. near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, where security operatives later fired tear gas canisters to disperse protesters, including Sowore.
