CAIDOV seeks NBA action against Nnamdi kanu’s counsel

The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to review the conduct of Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, following his participation in the recent #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Gbenga Soloki, the rights group expressed concern that Ejimakor’s presence at the protest may have breached the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) for Legal Practitioners 2023, particularly Rule 33, which warns lawyers against making public statements or taking actions that could influence ongoing legal proceedings.

Soloki stated that the law expects that lawyers argue their cases in court, not on the streets, at protest grounds, or through the media.

He further explained that Mr. Ejimakor’s participation in the protest could be seen as an attempt to sway public opinion and, by extension, the court’s view on a matter still under adjudication.

CAIDOV maintained that legal practitioners handling active cases are expected to exercise restraint and uphold the sanctity of the judicial process.

“The legal profession demands discipline, restraint, and respect for the courts. Emotions must never override professional ethics,” the group added.

The organisation also called on law enforcement agencies to investigate whether any laws or professional standards were violated during the demonstration. It further urged the NBA Disciplinary Committee to examine the issue and take appropriate steps to protect the integrity of the legal profession.

“We believe the NBA should act swiftly to reaffirm that professional ethics remain the cornerstone of legal practice in Nigeria,” Soloki said.

The development follows the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest that rocked Abuja on Monday, where hundreds of supporters, civil rights advocates, and members of IPOB took to the streets demanding the immediate release of the separatist leader.

Protesters converged on major areas of the Federal Capital Territory, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with inscriptions such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” and “Obey Court Orders.”

The protest, which was largely peaceful, reignited public debate after videos surfaced online showing Aloy Ejimakor addressing some of the demonstrators.

While some Nigerians hailed his presence as an act of solidarity with his client, others, including CAIDOV, believe it raises ethical questions about professional conduct within the legal community.