By Joel ARINZE
Convincted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has formally cut ties with his longtime legal counsel, directing him to halt all public statements on behalf of the movement and its leader.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu officially withdrawn the legal mandate previously granted to Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, stating that the attorney no longer has any authority to represent him, his family, or the IPOB organisation in any capacity whatsoever.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, which surfaced on Monday, Kanu made it clear that Ejiofor’s engagement had been terminated through verbal communication even earlier, and that the current correspondence merely serves to formalise that decision in writing.
The IPOB leader expressed displeasure over Ejiofor’s continued public appearances and statements where he allegedly presented himself as a representative of the movement despite the earlier withdrawal of his brief.
Citing the IPOB Code of Conduct, Kanu emphasised that the power to appoint or dismiss principal officers rests exclusively with him as the leader of the organisation. He argued that no individual or committee operating outside that framework has the authority to retain legal counsel on behalf of IPOB.
Kanu issued three clear directives to his former lawyer. He instructed Ejiofor to refrain from making any public comments, interviews, or social media posts that could be perceived as speaking on behalf of Kanu, his family, or IPOB.
He also demanded that Ejiofor cease presenting himself as legal counsel in any forum or court, and take necessary procedural steps to formally withdraw from all pending matters where he remains listed as counsel.
The IPOB leader further reminded Ejiofor of his continuing obligation to protect confidential and privileged information acquired during the years of their professional relationship. He warned that any unauthorised disclosure could attract disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
Describing the letter as a final warning, Kanu threatened to explore all lawful remedies should Ejiofor fail to comply with the directives. These include filing a formal petition for professional misconduct and instituting legal proceedings to restrain further unauthorised representations and protect confidential information.
Kanu concluded by directing Ejiofor to preserve all case files and materials relating to his former representation, stating that the lawyer has no mandate to speak for him, his family, or IPOB from this point forward.
All rights and remedies available to Kanu in his personal capacity and as leader of IPOB are expressly reserved, the letter stated.
Barrister Ejiofor had represented Kanu for several years in his legal battles with the Nigerian government, making this development a significant turn in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the detained IPOB leader.
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