The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has urged 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, over alleged professional misconduct.
In a statement issued in Lagos and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Gbenga Soloki, the group accused Ejimakor of violating professional ethics by participating in the recent “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest in Abuja.
CAIDOV described the lawyer’s involvement as a “clear breach” of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) for Legal Practitioners 2023, particularly Rule 33, which prohibits lawyers from making or participating in extra-judicial statements capable of prejudicing or interfering with ongoing legal proceedings.
Quoting the provision, Soloki noted: “A lawyer or law firm engaged in or associated with the prosecution or defence of a criminal matter shall not, while litigation is anticipated or pending, make or participate in making any extra-judicial statement that may prejudice or interfere with the fair trial or judgment of the matter.”
He argued that Ejimakor’s appearance at the protest could unduly influence public perception and compromise the impartiality of the court.
“The law expects lawyers to argue their cases in court, not on the streets or in the media. Mr. Ejimakor’s participation in the protest is tantamount to attempting to sway public opinion and, by extension, the court’s judgment,” the statement said.
Soloki stressed 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 further called on law enforcement agencies to investigate whether Ejimakor’s actions at the protest constituted a breach of national security or contempt of court.
The group also urged the NBA Disciplinary Committee to review his conduct and impose appropriate sanctions to safeguard the integrity of the legal profession.
“Mr. Ejimakor made a serious ethical blunder by publicly protesting for a client in a case he is handling. The NBA must act swiftly to demonstrate that professional ethics remain sacrosanct,” CAIDOV stated.
