The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally ended the legal services of his longtime personal lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and withdrawn all authority previously granted to him to represent either himself, his family or the separatist movement.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, and reportedly written from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu stated that Ejiofor’s appointment as his personal legal counsel had already been terminated verbally. He explained that the latest correspondence was issued to formally confirm that decision in writing.
Kanu further declared that Ejiofor no longer possesses any legal or official authority to act, speak or make representations on behalf of IPOB. According to him, the lawyer’s previous mandate has been completely withdrawn, and any claim to represent the organisation should no longer be recognised.
Referring to Section II, Subsection A of the IPOB Code of Conduct, Kanu maintained that the authority to appoint, suspend or remove principal officers or legal representatives rests solely with the IPOB leader unless such powers are expressly delegated. He argued that no committee, individual or former office holder acting outside the provisions of the group’s code can validly retain or appoint legal representatives for the organisation.
As part of the directive, Kanu instructed Ejiofor to immediately stop issuing press statements, granting interviews, publishing social media posts or making public comments on behalf of him, his family or IPOB. He also directed the lawyer to cease presenting himself as their legal representative in any court, public gathering or official forum.
Additionally, Kanu requested that Ejiofor take the necessary legal steps to withdraw from any pending cases in which he remains counsel on record for him or IPOB.
The IPOB leader also addressed the handling of confidential legal information, stressing that Ejiofor must not disclose, publish, communicate or use any privileged information obtained during the course of his legal engagement without his express written authorisation, except where required by law or by a court order.
Kanu warned that any unauthorised disclosure or misuse of confidential information could amount to professional misconduct and may result in disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), alongside any other legal remedies available under Nigerian law.
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The development marks a significant shift in Kanu’s legal representation after years of Ejiofor serving as one of his most prominent legal advocates.
