Jailed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally terminated the services of his longtime personal lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and withdrawn every authority previously granted to him to represent either himself, his family or the separatist organisation.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said Ejiofor’s appointment as his personal legal representative had earlier been terminated verbally, noting that the latest correspondence was intended to formally confirm the decision in writing.
Kanu also declared that Ejiofor no longer had any authority—whether express, implied or ostensible—to act or speak on behalf of IPOB.
The IPOB leader cited Section II, Subsection A of the group’s Code of Conduct, maintaining that the authority to appoint, suspend or remove principal officers lies solely with him unless such powers are expressly delegated.
According to Kanu, no committee, individual or former office holder acting outside the provisions of the code has the legal authority to appoint or retain legal representatives for the organisation.
He stressed that any mandate previously claimed by Ejiofor to represent IPOB was no longer valid or recognised.
Kanu further directed the lawyer to immediately stop making public statements, granting media interviews, issuing press releases or publishing social media posts on behalf of him, his family or IPOB.
He also instructed Ejiofor to cease presenting himself as his legal representative or that of IPOB in any court, public forum or official capacity, and to take the necessary legal steps to withdraw from any pending matters where he remains counsel on record.
Addressing the issue of privileged information obtained during the legal engagement, Kanu warned against any unauthorised disclosure.
He wrote: “Accordingly, I hereby place you on formal notice that you are not authorized to disclose, publish, communicate, exploit, or otherwise use any confidential or privileged information acquired in the course of your retainer, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose whatsoever, except as required by law or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, without my express written authorization from me.
“Any unauthorized disclosure or misuse of privileged information may constitute professional misconduct and may give rise to disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, as well as any other remedies available under the law.”
Kanu cautioned that any breach of client confidentiality or misuse 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 any other legal remedies available under Nigerian law.
The development marks a significant shift in Kanu’s legal representation, with Ejiofor having served as one of his most prominent lawyers throughout his prolonged legal battle with the Federal Government.
