By Our Correspondent
The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has urged Nigeria’s legal regulatory bodies to discipline Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The call follows Ejimakor’s participation in a protest held in Abuja demanding the release of his client.
Onanuga described the lawyer’s involvement in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest as inappropriate and unbecoming of a legal practitioner. He argued that participating in a public demonstration about a matter currently before the court could compromise the integrity of ongoing judicial proceedings and cast doubt on the neutrality expected of legal professionals.
According to Onanuga, lawyers serve as officers of the court and must maintain standards that reflect professionalism and respect for the legal process. He stated that open activism on behalf of a client involved in a sensitive legal matter, particularly one with political and national security implications, could be seen as an attempt to influence the course of justice outside the courtroom.
In response to growing concerns, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) acknowledged the delicate nature of the issue. While affirming that every citizen, including lawyers, has the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, the association emphasized that legal practitioners must be cautious in how they conduct themselves, especially in politically charged situations. The NBA said it would review the matter in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners.
Mr. Ejimakor was seen at the recent protest in Abuja, speaking to journalists and calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. The protest was eventually dispersed by security operatives using tear gas, and several demonstrators were reportedly arrested. Ejimakor’s presence and public comments have added fuel to ongoing debates about the role of lawyers in advocacy outside the courtroom.
This is not the first time that Ejimakor’s actions have attracted attention. Earlier in the year, a Federal High Court judge had warned lawyers involved in the IPOB leader’s case against making public statements or taking steps that might interfere with court proceedings.
Legal experts are divided on the issue. Some believe that lawyers should be free to advocate publicly for their clients, particularly when human rights are involved. Others argue that crossing into public protest blurs professional boundaries and may undermine the legal system’s credibility.
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee has not yet commented on the matter. However, the Presidency’s public demand for sanction has increased pressure on regulatory bodies to respond. The outcome may set a precedent on how far lawyers can go in mixing legal advocacy with political activism.
As the debate continues, many observers stress the importance of maintaining both the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law. Any disciplinary steps taken will be closely watched both within and outside Nigeria, particularly in relation to high-profile cases with political dimensions like that of Nnamdi Kanu.
