Nigerian lawyers have criticized a controversial incident involving the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, explaining how they will respond if a client shouted at them as the IPOB leader did to his counsel.
Kanu, the IPOB leader on trial for terrorism, was seen in a viral video ordering his lawyer not to speak while he was speaking. Kanu yelled, “Stop talking when I’m talking!”
The IPOB leader had requested that Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, not preside over his case due to her previous recusal. As a result, Justice Nyako adjourned the case indefinitely.
In separate interviews, other legal practitioners indicated that retaining professionalism in the face of physical hostility was critical and that the lines of respect and safety should never be crossed.
Speaking on the incident, a senior advocate of Nigeria, Isiaka Olagunju, said it was discourteous of the IPOB leader to talk down on his lawyer.
Speaking on whether he would handle the situation differently, Olagunju stated, “Until that time.”
He said, “All lawyers must ensure that the dignity, integrity, sanctity, and respect of the profession must not be lowered by anybody.
“This depends on the personal opinions of these lawyers. The lawyer’s behavior is the way a lawyer should behave. He was very calm.”
“The statement is ridiculous, and this may be that the lawyer has ridiculed Kanu. But some lawyers ridicule themselves because of financial gains.”
Another legal practitioner, Ayo Ademiluyi, berated Kanu’s outburst, saying, “It is a tyrannical attitude.”.
He stated that the lawyer must’ve kept quiet because of the kind of client the IPOB leader is.
Ademiluyi said, “If Nnamdi Kanu were an ordinary client, do you think the lawyer would take that nonsense from him? But because Nnamdi Kanu is a money bag, it becomes an economic issue.
