The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally withdrawn the authority of his longtime lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, directing him to immediately stop representing him, his family and the separatist group in any capacity.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said Ejiofor’s appointment as his personal lawyer had earlier been terminated verbally, adding that the latest correspondence served as formal 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 express, implied or ostensible authority to speak for or represent the group.
Citing Section II, Subsection A of the IPOB Code of Conduct, Kanu maintained that only the IPOB leader has the power to appoint, suspend or remove principal officers, unless such authority is expressly delegated.
He directed Ejiofor to stop issuing public statements, granting interviews, releasing press statements or making social media posts on behalf of him, his family or IPOB.
Kanu further instructed the lawyer to cease presenting himself as his legal representative or that of IPOB before any court, public institution or forum and to take steps to withdraw from all pending matters in which he remains counsel on record.
The detained IPOB leader also warned Ejiofor against disclosing or using any confidential or privileged information obtained during the course of his legal representation without express written authorisation.
According to Kanu, any unauthorised disclosure of privileged information could amount to professional misconduct and expose the lawyer to disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), in addition to other legal consequences.
