The convicted leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally sacked his longtime lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor.
Kanu announced the decision in a letter he personally signed and addressed to Ejiofor, dated July 22.
In the letter, the IPOB leader noted that he had earlier terminated Ejiofor’s services through a verbal instruction and was now formalising the disengagement.
“Your engagement as my personal legal representative was previously terminated by me through direct verbal communication, upon which you ceased acting in that capacity. This letter serves, in part, as a formal written confirmation of that earlier termination,” Kanu wrote.
He accused Ejiofor of continuing to act “directly or indirectly” as his legal representative and that of IPOB despite the earlier termination.
Kanu therefore withdrew all authority previously granted to the lawyer.
“From the date of this letter, you have no authority – implied, express, or ostensible – to act, speak, or make representations on my behalf, on behalf of my family, or on behalf of IPOB,” he stated.
Citing the IPOB code of conduct, Kanu emphasised that only he has the exclusive authority to appoint or dismiss legal representatives for the organisation. He directed Ejiofor to stop making public statements or appearing in court on his behalf.
Kanu also reminded the lawyer of his professional obligation to maintain confidentiality regarding privileged information obtained during his representation, warning that any breach could attract legal action.
Ejiofor’s Response
Reacting in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Monday, Ejiofor alleged that Kanu had been blackmailing and threatening him even from prison. He claimed the IPOB leader had unsuccessfully sent “foot soldiers” to eliminate him.
Ejiofor also recalled that Kanu once accused him of having an affair with his wife — an allegation he described as “the most reprehensible, utterly unfounded and defamatory.”
He said he had remained silent for a long time out of professional restraint, but warned that Kanu’s repeated public attacks could force him to defend his reputation.
“The time has not yet come for me to divulge professionally obtained information… I have consistently allowed myself to be guided by the dictates of professional ethics, restraint and responsibility,” Ejiofor stated.
It would be recalled that in June 2023, Kanu’s family had also announced the sack of both Ejiofor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, from the legal team handling his case at the Supreme Court.