The Special Counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, has alleged that his life is under threat following a series of blackmail and intimidation attempts.
Ejimakor said the threats began after Kanu secured legal victories against the Federal Government over his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021.
Kanu was arrested in Kenya in June 2021 and brought back to Nigeria under controversial circumstances. Although several courts have since discharged and acquitted him, the Federal Government has yet to release him.
Speaking in a podcast with Chief Chidi Nwanyanwu, Ejimakor said he has faced relentless harassment despite his legal successes in defending Kanu.
“Some of these people blackmailing me are using these victories to pursue successful asylum cases around the world. What greater evil can there be than that?” he said.
He revealed that his safety has been at risk and that the pressure of handling sensitive cases has taken a toll on him. “I have faced a lot of threats to my safety and blackmail in handling these cases. I have aged exponentially since 2021 when I took over these matters. It has taken a toll on me, but I work happily, stoically, and proudly,” Ejimakor stated.
The lawyer also recalled being accused by some groups of not being an IPOB lawyer despite representing Kanu. “When I filed the petition challenging the declaration of IPOB as a terrorist organization, they were blackmailing me, saying I’m not an IPOB lawyer. How can you quarrel with success? If I’m a lawyer to Nnamdi Kanu and he briefs me, automatically I’m an IPOB lawyer,” he said.
Ejimakor noted that the Federal Government has often attempted to undermine his legal standing in court but expressed confidence in overcoming such obstacles.