The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally terminated the services of his longtime personal lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, directing him to stop representing him, his family, or the separatist group in any capacity.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, and written from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said Ejiofor’s engagement as his personal lawyer had earlier been terminated verbally, adding that the latest correspondence served as formal written confirmation of the decision.
Kanu Withdraws IPOB Mandate
Kanu also withdrew what he described as any authority previously granted to Ejiofor to act for or represent IPOB, insisting that the lawyer no longer had any express, implied or ostensible authority to speak or act on behalf of the organisation.
Citing Section II, Subsection A of the IPOB Code of Conduct, Kanu said the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss principal officers rests solely with the IPOB leader unless such authority is expressly delegated.
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According to him, no individual, committee or former office holder acting outside the provisions of the IPOB Code of Conduct can validly appoint or retain legal representatives for the organisation.
He therefore maintained that any purported mandate or authority claimed by Ejiofor to represent IPOB was no longer recognised.
Kanu Orders Lawyer to Stop Public Representations
Kanu directed Ejiofor to immediately stop making public statements, granting interviews, issuing press releases or publishing social media posts on behalf of him, his family or IPOB.
He also instructed the lawyer to stop presenting himself as his legal representative or that of IPOB in any court, forum or public space and to take the necessary legal steps to withdraw from any pending matters where he remained counsel on record.
Warns Against Disclosure of Confidential Information
Kanu further placed Ejiofor on formal notice not to disclose, publish, communicate or use any confidential or privileged information obtained during the course of his legal engagement without his express written authorisation, except where required by law or by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
He warned that any unauthorised disclosure 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 remedies available under the law.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.