The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has demanded of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to take immediate and appropriate disciplinary measures against Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for alleged professional misconduct.
CAIDOV noted that Ejimakor participated in the recent “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest in Abuja while the case is ongoing in court, emphasising that by joining a public protest concerning a case he is directly handling, the legal practitioner acted in a manner that could influence public perception and potentially compromise the impartiality of the court.
It particularly noted that Ejimakor’s action was a clear breach of professional ethics and a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) for Legal Practitioners 2023, particularly Rule 33, which deals with sub judice statements.
A statement by Gbenga Soloki, Executive Director, CAIDOV outrightly condemned Ejimakor’s appearance and participation at the protest ground, saying that the legal profession demands discipline, restraint, and respect for judicial processes, emphasising that “emotions must never override ethics.”
Citing the Rules of professional ethics, CAIDOV stated; “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”.
It further said; “The law expects that lawyers argue their cases in court, not on the streets, in protest grounds, or on media platforms. Mr. Ejimakor’s participation in the protest is tantamount to trying to sway public opinion and, by extension, the court’s view on a matter still under adjudication.
“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,” CAIDOV stated.
It therefore urged the law enforcement agencies to investigate the lawyer’s actions to determine if his involvement in the protest constituted a breach of national security or contempt of court.
CAIDOV particularly called on the Nigerian Bar Association’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 very big mistake 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,” it said.
