Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has formally disengaged Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor as his lawyer and ordered him to immediately stop presenting himself as legal counsel to him, his family or the pro-Biafra group.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, and signed by Kanu from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, the IPOB leader said Ejiofor’s services had earlier been terminated verbally but that the latest correspondence served as formal written confirmation of the decision.
Kanu stated that despite the earlier termination, Ejiofor allegedly continued to hold himself out as a legal representative of IPOB, prompting him to issue a cease-and-desist directive.
According to the letter, Ejiofor no longer has “any authority – implied, express, or ostensible” to act, speak or make representations on behalf of Kanu, his family or IPOB.
The IPOB leader based his decision on the group’s Code of Conduct, which, according to him, gives the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss principal officers exclusively to the leader of the organisation.
He maintained that no individual, committee or former office holder acting outside that authority could validly appoint or retain legal representatives for IPOB.
Kanu directed Ejiofor to immediately stop making public statements, granting interviews, issuing press releases or posting on social media on behalf of him, his family or IPOB.
He also ordered the lawyer to withdraw from any pending court matters where he still appears as counsel on record by taking all necessary legal steps to regularise the proceedings.
The IPOB leader further warned Ejiofor against disclosing or using confidential information obtained during the period he served as his lawyer, stressing that client confidentiality remains binding even after the termination of a legal retainer.
He expressed concern over what he described as possible misuse of privileged information and warned that any unauthorised disclosure could amount to professional misconduct.
Kanu said any violation of the directive could lead to disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), as well as other legal actions, including injunctions and claims for damages.
He also instructed Ejiofor to preserve all files and documents relating to his previous representation of him and IPOB, pending any possible legal proceedings.
Describing the letter as a final warning, Kanu insisted that Ejiofor no longer has any mandate to represent him, his family or IPOB in any capacity and warned that he would pursue every legal remedy available should the directive be ignored.
