Protest: Group Urges NBA To Discipline Ejimakor, Councel To Nnamdi Kanu

The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) is urging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take disciplinary action against Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

CAIDOV alleges professional misconduct stemming from Ejimakor’s participation in a recent “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the group’s Executive Director, Comrade Gbenga Soloki, CAIDOV condemned Ejimakor’s presence and involvement in the protest.

They argue that it constitutes a clear breach of professional ethics and violates Rule 33 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) for Legal Practitioners 2023, which addresses statements made sub judice.

Soloki quoted the rule: “A lawyer or law firm engaged in or associated with the prosecution or defence of a criminal matter, or associated with a civil action, shall not, while litigation is anticipated or pending in the matter, make or participate in making any extra-judicial statement that is calculated to prejudice or interfere with, or is reasonably capable of prejudicing or interfering with, the fair trial of the matter or the judgment or sentence.”

He asserted that by participating in a public protest concerning a case he is directly handling, Ejimakor has acted in a manner that could influence public perception and potentially compromise the impartiality of the court.

“The law expects lawyers to argue their cases in court, not on the streets, at protest grounds, or on media platforms.

” Mr. Ejimakor’s participation in the protest is tantamount to attempting to sway public opinion and, by extension, the court’s view on a matter still under adjudication,” the statement read.

Soloki further emphasised that the legal profession demands discipline, restraint, and respect for judicial processes, warning that “emotions must never override ethics.”

“This act by Mr. Ejimakor amounts to professional misconduct. The law is not emotional, and every lawyer is bound by its standards, regardless of who their client is,” he added.

CAIDOV is also urging law enforcement agencies to investigate Ejimakor’s actions to determine if his involvement in the protest constituted a breach of national security or contempt of court.

The group has specifically called on the NBA’s Disciplinary Committee to review Ejimakor’s conduct and impose appropriate sanctions to preserve the integrity and credibility of the legal profession.

“Mr. Ejimakor made a serious error by publicly protesting for a client in a case he is handling. The NBA must take swift disciplinary measures to send a clear message that professional ethics cannot be compromised,” the statement concluded.