“Instead of Preparing a Strong Case for Nnamdi Kanu, You Joined Career Anarchist Sowore to Protest” – Presidency Blasts MNK’s Lawyer Ejimakor

President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has sharply criticized Aloy Ejimakor, lawyer for Indigenous Peoples of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, for joining protests in Abuja calling for his client’s release. The demonstrations, part of the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanu campaign, were organized by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore.

Onanuga described Sowore as a “career anarchist” and questioned Ejimakor’s judgment in participating. “I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore,” he said shortly after Ejimakor’s arrest on Monday. “I wonder what Mr Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest.”

The presidential spokesman accused Ejimakor of prioritizing activism over legal strategy, saying, “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 also suggested that the lawyer’s actions could raise questions about professional ethics and urged legal authorities to consider sanctions.

Responding to the accusations, lawyer Inebehe Effiong defended Ejimakor, saying participation in a peaceful protest does not violate legal ethics. “I am not aware of any law or ethical rule in the legal profession that prohibits a legal practitioner or a counsel on record from taking part in a peaceful demonstration to ask or demand the release of his client,” Effiong said. He added that Onanuga’s remarks were “borne out of mischief” and argued that the government should address the violence against peaceful protesters rather than targeting those taking part.