By Nonye Okonkwo,
The legal fallout from the recent #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest intensified today as the Nigerian Police Force confirmed plans to arraign Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel for the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, alongside Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and eleven others. The suspects are scheduled to appear before a Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja.
The clarification was made on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, while responding to questions on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
While the exact details of the charges remain under wraps until the formal arraignment, sources indicate the individuals are likely to face charges related to public disturbance, unlawful assembly, and incitement.
The decision to arraign the lawyer and his co-accused in the Kuje court suggests the authorities are treating the incident as a breach of public order, rather than a security or terrorism-related offense, which would typically be handled by the Federal High Court.
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Hundeyin further disclosed that all persons arrested during the protest would be charged in court after investigation.
He said: “We arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, his lawyer because they insisted on making way to the restricted areas. And not just two of them, six others were also arrested around TRANSCORP, and for this same reason. So we arrested a total of eight of them. They are currently at the state CID, and once we conclude our investigation, just like we said in our statement, that anybody who violated that court order would be arrested, diligently investigated and prosecuted, once we conclude that, which we should tonight, then they’ll be prosecuted immediately. In less than 24 hours, they will be facing the court.”
The arrests, which took place during a demonstration demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, sparked controversy and accusations of police brutality from civil rights groups. The focus now shifts to the courtroom, where the specific charges against the detainees will be formally announced.
Barrister Ejimakor’s legal team has mobilized to challenge the legality of the detention and the anticipated charges. A source close to the defense expressed confidence that the charges would not stand up to legal scrutiny.
“We maintain that the protest was peaceful and the arrest of a legal professional carrying out his duty is a violation of his fundamental rights,” a member of the defense team stated. “We are prepared to meet the police in court to secure their immediate release.”
Condemnation from the Legal Community
The arraignment of a prominent lawyer on charges stemming from representing a client has been widely condemned by the legal fraternity. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has labeled the initial arrests as an unacceptable attack on the independence of the legal profession.
Lawyers argue that if the police are allowed to detain and charge counsel for associating with a client’s cause, it sets a dangerous precedent that could paralyze legal defense for politically sensitive cases.
Prince Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, was also detained, amplifying the political dimension of the case and reinforcing the perception that the government is employing strong-arm tactics against the separatist leader’s entire support structure.
The proceedings in the Kuje court are expected to draw significant attention, with civil rights activists and observers eager to see the substance of the police’s case and the judiciary’s response to the highly contentious arrests.
