The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has formally 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, and written from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu stated that Ejiofor’s engagement as his personal legal representative had earlier been terminated verbally, adding that the latest correspondence served as formal written confirmation of the decision.
Kanu also withdrew any authority previously granted to Ejiofor to act or speak on behalf of IPOB, insisting that the lawyer no longer had any express, implied, or ostensible authority to represent the separatist group.
Citing Section II, Subsection A of the IPOB Code of Conduct, Kanu said the authority to appoint, suspend, or dismiss principal officers rests solely with the IPOB leader unless expressly delegated.
He maintained that no individual, committee, or former office holder acting outside the provisions of the IPOB Code of Conduct could validly appoint or retain legal representatives for the organisation.
According to Kanu, any mandate or authority claimed by Ejiofor to represent IPOB is no longer recognised.
He directed the lawyer to immediately cease issuing public statements, granting media interviews, releasing press statements, or publishing social media posts on behalf of him, his family, or IPOB.
Kanu further instructed Ejiofor 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 all pending matters where he remains counsel on record.
“Accordingly, I hereby place you on formal notice that you are not authorized to disclose, publish, communicate, exploit, or otherwise use any confidential or privileged information acquired in the course of your retainer, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose whatsoever, except as required by law or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, without my express written authorization from me.
“Any unauthorized disclosure or misuse of privileged information may constitute professional misconduct and may give rise to disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, as well as any other remedies available under the law,” the letter stated.
Kanu warned that any breach of client confidentiality or unauthorized disclosure of privileged information could amount to professional misconduct and expose the lawyer to disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, as well as other legal sanctions.
