The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has officially terminated the services of his longtime personal lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, directing him to immediately stop representing him, his family, or IPOB in any capacity.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, reportedly written from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu stated that Ejiofor’s appointment as his personal legal counsel had already been revoked verbally, with the latest letter serving as formal written confirmation of the decision.
Kanu also announced the withdrawal of any authority previously granted to Ejiofor to represent or act on behalf of IPOB. He maintained that the lawyer no longer possesses any express, implied, or apparent authority to speak for or represent the separatist group.
Referring to Section II, Subsection A of the IPOB Code of Conduct, Kanu emphasized that only the IPOB leader has the authority to appoint, suspend, or dismiss principal officers, except where such powers have been formally delegated.
He further stated that no individual, committee, or former office holder acting outside the provisions of the organization’s code can lawfully appoint or retain legal representatives on behalf of IPOB. As a result, Kanu declared that any mandate previously claimed by Ejiofor to represent the organization is no longer valid.
The IPOB leader instructed Ejiofor to immediately stop issuing public statements, granting interviews, releasing press statements, or making social media posts on behalf of him, his family, or IPOB.
Additionally, Kanu directed the lawyer to cease presenting himself as his legal representative or that of IPOB in any court, public forum, or official capacity. He also requested that Ejiofor take the necessary legal steps to withdraw from any pending cases in which he remains counsel on record.
In the letter, Kanu also warned against the unauthorized disclosure or use of confidential information obtained during the legal relationship.
He stated that Ejiofor is prohibited from publishing, communicating, or using any privileged information acquired while serving as his lawyer unless required by law or authorized through his express written consent.
Kanu further cautioned that any breach of client confidentiality or misuse of privileged information could amount to professional misconduct and may result in disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), in addition to any other legal remedies available under Nigerian law.
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