Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has condemned presidential aide Bayo Onanuga for attacking Aloy Ejimakor, legal counsel to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, over his participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.
Onanuga had criticised Ejimakor for joining the protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore, accusing him of breaching legal ethics and “resorting to extra-legal tactics” instead of focusing on Kanu’s ongoing treason trial.
Responding via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Effiong dismissed Onanuga’s claims as “mischievous and baseless,” insisting that no law forbids a lawyer from peacefully demonstrating in support of their client.
“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 demand the release of his client,” Effiong wrote.
“Your postulation is borne out of mischief. You cannot dictate to a Nigerian when or for what purpose to protest. The fact that your cowardly regime has unleashed violence on peaceful protesters is what you should be addressing.”
Ejimakor was among those arrested by police during Monday’s protest, which called for Kanu’s release from Department of State Services (DSS) custody, where he has been held since June 2021. Others detained included Fineboy Kanu, a relative of the IPOB leader, and several activists.
The demonstration, which began near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) building in Abuja, was dispersed by security forces using tear gas and gunfire, drawing national and international criticism from rights groups.
