Nnamdi Kanu ends legal relationship with longtime lawyer Ejiofor

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally withdrawn the authority of his longtime lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, to represent him, his family or the separatist group.

In a letter dated July 22, 2026, from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said Ejiofor’s appointment as his personal lawyer had already been terminated verbally, adding that the letter served as official written confirmation of the decision.

Kanu also revoked any authority previously granted to Ejiofor to act on behalf of IPOB, insisting that the lawyer no longer had any mandate, whether express or implied, to represent or speak for the organisation.

Relying on the IPOB Code of Conduct, Kanu stated that only the group’s leader has the authority to appoint, suspend or remove principal officers unless such powers are expressly delegated. He maintained that any claim by Ejiofor to represent IPOB was no longer valid.

The IPOB leader directed the lawyer to immediately stop issuing public statements, granting media interviews, releasing press statements or making social media posts on behalf of him, his family or the organisation.

He also instructed Ejiofor to cease presenting himself as his legal representative in any court, public forum or official engagement and to take the necessary steps to withdraw from any pending cases in which he remains counsel on record.

Kanu further warned the lawyer against disclosing or using confidential information obtained during the course of his legal engagement without his written consent, except where required by law or a court order.

According to him, any unauthorised disclosure of privileged information could amount to professional misconduct and may attract disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, as well as other legal consequences.