Kanu Sacks Long-Time Lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Bars Him from Representing IPOB

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally terminated the legal services of his long-time lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and directed him to immediately cease representing him, his family and the separatist group in any capacity.

In a letter dated July 22, 2026, and reportedly issued from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said the decision, which had earlier been communicated verbally, was being formally confirmed in writing.

The letter stated that Ejiofor no longer has the authority to act for or speak on behalf of Kanu, his family or the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stressing that any previous mandate granted to the lawyer had been withdrawn.

Kanu maintained that, under the IPOB Code of Conduct, only the leader of the organisation has the authority to appoint, suspend or remove principal officers, including legal representatives, unless such powers are expressly delegated. He argued that no individual, committee or former office holder acting outside the provisions of the code could validly retain or appoint lawyers for the group.

He consequently declared that any authority previously exercised by Ejiofor on behalf of IPOB was no longer recognised.

The IPOB leader also directed Ejiofor to refrain from making public statements, granting interviews, issuing press releases or publishing social media content in the name of Kanu, his family or the organisation.

In addition, Kanu instructed the lawyer to withdraw from all pending legal matters in which he remains counsel on record for him and to stop presenting himself as Kanu’s legal representative before any court, tribunal or public forum.

The letter further warned Ejiofor against disclosing confidential or privileged information obtained during the course of his legal engagement.

“Accordingly, I hereby place you on formal notice that you are not authorised to disclose, publish, communicate, exploit, or otherwise use any confidential or privileged information acquired in the course of your retainer without my express written authorisation,” the letter stated.

Kanu warned that any breach of client confidentiality could amount to professional misconduct and expose the lawyer to disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, in addition to any other legal consequences.

Neither Ejiofor nor his legal team had publicly responded to the directive as of the time of filing this report.