The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has officially ended his relationship with longtime lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor.
Kanu also withdrew every authority previously granted to the lawyer. As a result, Ejiofor can no longer represent him, his family or IPOB.
The IPOB leader communicated the decision in a letter dated July 22, 2026, from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, where he remains in custody.
Kanu confirms lawyer’s dismissal
Kanu explained that he had already informed Ejiofor verbally that his services had ended. However, he issued a formal letter to document the decision.
“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.”
He also revoked every authority previously granted to the lawyer.
Kanu maintained that only the IPOB leader can appoint, suspend or remove principal officers. He added that such powers can only change through express delegation.
IPOB leader withdraws all authority
Kanu ordered Ejiofor to stop speaking for IPOB immediately.
He also barred him from representing his family, In addition, he directed the lawyer to stop granting interviews and issuing statements.
Kanu further instructed him to stop publishing press releases or making social media posts in the names of IPOB, himself or his family.
The IPOB leader also ordered Ejiofor to stop appearing as counsel before any court, institution or public gathering.
He directed the lawyer to withdraw from every case where he still appears as counsel for either him or IPOB.
Kanu warns against misuse of information
Kanu also warned Ejiofor against revealing confidential information obtained during their professional relationship.
“Any unauthorised disclosure, publication, exploitation or misuse of confidential or privileged information acquired during the course of your retainer may constitute professional misconduct and may attract disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), in addition to any other legal remedies available.”
Defence team explains decision
The latest development follows earlier comments from Kanu’s legal team. In June, defence lawyer Christopher Chidera said disagreements over legal strategy led to Ejiofor’s removal.
Chidera claimed mistakes by the former legal team prolonged Kanu’s detention. He also alleged those decisions weakened opportunities to strengthen Kanu’s legal challenge after the Court of Appeal judgment delivered in October 2022.
Read also: Kanu deserves fresh trial or unconditional freedom – US Congressman
