Bayo Onanuga Sanctions Aloy Ejimakor for joining #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, urging legal bodies to discipline him for breaching ethics in Nnamdi Kanu’s case.
Bayo Onanuga Sanctions Aloy Ejimakor — The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has sparked controversy after calling for disciplinary action against Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lead counsels representing detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a strongly worded post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, October 20, Onanuga condemned the lawyer’s participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest held in Abuja, describing it as a gross violation of professional ethics.
The presidential aide’s remarks have reignited debate about the boundaries between legal representation, political activism, and professional conduct in Nigeria’s justice system.
According to Onanuga, Aloy Ejimakor’s decision to join the protest was inappropriate and ethically questionable, especially as his client’s treason case is still pending before a competent court.
The presidential adviser argued that a practising lawyer must uphold the principle of sub judice — avoiding public commentary or actions that may influence an ongoing judicial process.
“I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore,” Onanuga wrote.
“I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest. As a lawyer, he should understand the principle of sub judice, particularly regarding the ongoing treason case before the court.
“The prosecution has concluded its case, and it is now the duty of Mr. Ejimakor and his team to prepare a strong defence for their client.”
Continuing his critique, Bayo Onanuga Sanctions Aloy Ejimakor remarks further by accusing the lawyer of abandoning the courtroom for activism. He described Ejimakor’s actions as “extra-legal tactics” and “an attempt to pressure the judiciary through public agitation.”
“Rather than focusing on building a strong legal defence, Mr. Ejimakor has joined a professional agitator in street protests, hoping to sway public sentiment. Such conduct undermines the integrity of the judiciary and violates legal ethics,” he asserted.
Onanuga then urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other legal regulatory bodies to investigate Ejimakor’s conduct and impose necessary disciplinary measures if found guilty of professional misconduct.
He claimed that the incident reflects a worrying trend among lawyers who use activism to manipulate ongoing legal processes.
The post quickly gained traction online, generating a flood of mixed reactions. Supporters of Onanuga applauded his stand, arguing that lawyers should demonstrate restraint and respect for the rule of law.
They maintained that Bayo Onanuga Sanctions Aloy Ejimakor rightly underscores the importance of professionalism in the legal field.
Conversely, several civil rights advocates and supporters of Nnamdi Kanu condemned Onanuga’s statement, calling it an attempt to intimidate the IPOB leader’s legal team.
They argued that Ejimakor’s involvement in the protest fell within his constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Some critics accused the presidential aide of hypocrisy, saying the government frequently disregards court rulings, especially those favourable to Kanu.
To them, public protest becomes the only viable option for drawing attention to the perceived injustice in Kanu’s prolonged detention.
Legal analysts have weighed in, explaining that while Ejimakor retains the right to protest, his dual role as a counsel in the case complicates the ethical implications.
Lawyers, they say, must separate personal advocacy from professional obligations to avoid perceptions of bias or undue influence on judicial proceedings.
Barrister Aisha Adamu, a constitutional lawyer, noted that “the Nigerian Bar Association will have to determine whether Ejimakor’s actions fall under activism or professional misconduct. It’s a grey area where freedom of expression collides with professional responsibility.”
She added that Bayo Onanuga Sanctions Aloy Ejimakor has drawn needed attention to the delicate balance lawyers must maintain in politically charged cases.
The #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja was organised by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.
The event demanded the immediate release of the IPOB leader, who has been in detention under the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021.
Protesters carried banners and placards, chanting solidarity songs and accusing the government of double standards and human rights abuses.
The protest, though peaceful, drew a small crowd and sparked debates about government tolerance for dissent and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
The Bayo Onanuga Sanctions Aloy Ejimakor controversy has since amplified the discussion, with Nigerians divided between supporting government discipline and defending democratic freedoms.
The latest development highlights a broader tension in Nigeria’s democratic landscape — the intersection between law, politics, and activism.
Lawyers, especially those handling politically sensitive cases, often find themselves balancing between professional decorum and personal conviction.
While Onanuga’s comments resonate with those advocating for strict legal discipline, human rights defenders insist that Nigeria’s legal and political environment leaves little room for passive advocacy.
They argue that without public pressure, justice in politically sensitive cases often remains elusive.
As the matter gains attention, the Nigerian Bar Association may soon face mounting pressure to issue an official statement.
Whether the NBA will heed Onanuga’s call for disciplinary action or defend Ejimakor’s rights as a citizen remains uncertain.
For now, Bayo Onanuga Sanctions Aloy Ejimakor continues to dominate online discussions, symbolising the growing friction between government power and legal activism. The case will likely influence future conduct among lawyers navigating the thin line between the courtroom and public advocacy.
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