The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has officially ended Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s role as his personal attorney and as legal representative of IPOB.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026 and signed from Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu told Ejiofor at his Abuja office that all previous authority to act for him, his family, and IPOB was withdrawn with immediate effect.
Kanu said he had already ended the engagement verbally, and that the letter was meant to confirm it in writing. He accused Ejiofor of continuing to present himself as IPOB’s counsel despite that earlier notice.
What the letter stated
- Termination: Kanu wrote that Ejiofor now has “no authority – implied, express, or ostensible – to act, speak, or make representations” on his behalf, on behalf of his family, or on behalf of IPOB.
- Basis: He cited the IPOB Code of Conduct, arguing that only the IPOB leader can appoint or dismiss principal officers or approve legal representation unless powers are expressly delegated. Any authority given by others outside that code, he said, is invalid.
- Instructions: Ejiofor was directed to stop making public statements, granting interviews, issuing press releases, or posting on social media about Kanu, his family, or IPOB. He was also told to withdraw from any pending cases where he is listed as counsel and to stop presenting himself as Kanu’s lawyer in court or other forums.
- Confidentiality warning: Kanu reminded Ejiofor that lawyer-client confidentiality continues after termination. He noted “serious concerns” about possible disclosure of privileged information, though no specific incidents were named, and warned that any unauthorised release could lead to a complaint to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee and other legal action.
- Records: He ordered Ejiofor to preserve all files and materials relating to his work for both Kanu and IPOB in case of future proceedings.
The letter ended with what Kanu called a “final warning” that he would pursue disciplinary proceedings, injunctions, and damages if Ejiofor continued to act as his representative or disclosed confidential information. He said he reserves all legal and equitable rights in both his personal capacity and as IPOB leader, and told Ejiofor to “govern yourself accordingly.”
Ejiofor has represented Kanu and IPOB for several years.
