Onanuga faults Kanu’s lawyer for joining protest, alleges unethical conduct

By Kunle Sanni –

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, Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, for allegedly engaging in “extra-legal tactics” instead of focusing on Kanu’s defence in court.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Onanuga said he spotted Ejimakor among a group of protesters in Abuja, reportedly mobilised by activist Omoyele Sowore, calling for Kanu’s release.

“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.

He described Sowore as a “career anarchist” and said Ejimakor’s participation in the protest was inconsistent with his professional obligations as a lawyer, especially given that Kanu’s treason trial is still before the court.

“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,” he added.

Onanuga accused the lawyer of attempting to influence judicial proceedings through public agitation rather than legal arguments.

“Rather than focusing on preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to extra-legal tactics, joining a career anarchist to influence the process. Ejimakor’s action questions his adherence to professional ethics. Legal authorities should consider appropriate sanctions for the unethical conduct of the bearded lawyer,” he stated.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is facing trial on charges of treasonable felony and terrorism-related offences. The Federal Government has concluded its prosecution, presenting all its witnesses before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The defence team, led by Ejimakor and other lawyers, is expected to open its case in the coming weeks. Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021 following his re-arrest abroad, continues to face a series of legal and political battles over his detention and trial.