Lawyers Condemn Nnamdi Kanu for Shutting Down His Counsel in Court, Stress Need for Professional Boundaries
A viral video capturing Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu publicly shutting down his lawyer in court has sparked a debate among Nigerian legal professionals. Kanu, facing terrorism charges, was seen shouting at his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, telling him to “stop talking when I’m talking!” during a hearing where Kanu insisted Justice Binta Nyako should recuse herself from the case. Justice Nyako subsequently adjourned the case indefinitely.
Several lawyers interviewed by our correspondent shared their reactions to the incident. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Isiaka Olagunju, called Kanu’s behavior “discourteous” and emphasized the importance of maintaining the dignity and respect of the legal profession. While declining to say how he personally would have reacted, he stated, “Until that time.”
Other lawyers were more direct in their responses. Abdulkareem Riliwan said he would have immediately challenged Kanu’s outburst, demanding an explanation. He added that Kanu should issue a public apology. Riliwan stressed that he “doesn’t compromise standards” and that some lawyers “ridicule themselves because of financial gains.”
Ayo Ademiluyi described Kanu’s behavior as “tyrannical,” suggesting that the lawyer’s restraint stemmed from Kanu’s prominence and financial resources. He questioned whether the lawyer would have tolerated such treatment from an “ordinary client.”
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 leader Nnamdi Kanu publicly shutting down his lawyer in court has sparked a debate among Nigerian legal professionals. Kanu, facing terrorism charges, was seen shouting at his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, telling him to "stop talking when I'm talking!" during a hearing where Kanu insisted Justice Binta Nyako should recuse herself from the case. Justice Nyako subsequently adjourned the case indefinitely.){kind=link}