A Magistrate Court in Kuje Abuja has ordered the remand of Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, a defense attorney for the prominent separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, following his participation in a #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.
Mr. Ejimakor, Kanu’s brother Emmanuel, and 10 others were remanded in Kuje prison after the court declined to hear their bail application immediately until Friday, and drew scrutiny regarding the right to peaceful protest.
Nnamdi Kanu’s trial on treason and terrorism charges has been a flashpoint for political tension in Nigeria, particularly in the Southeast. The recent protest in Abuja by supporters calling for his release led to the arrests, including his legal counsel, Ejimakor.
A presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, immediately called for legal sanctions against the lawyer, claiming his presence at the protest violated the legal standard of sub judice.
I wonder what Mr Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest… As a lawyer, he should be aware of the principle of sub judice – Onanuga
Prominent legal practitioners like Barrister E.M.D. Umukoro Esq., dismissed the ethical claims, asserting that a lawyer is entitled to advocate for a client’s release through lawful means, including protest.
Participating in a lawful protest cannot be said to be an act of professional misconduct – Barrister Umukoro
The 12 protestants will remain detained until Friday when the court is expected to address their bail applications
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