ABUJA — Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has formally terminated his legal retainer with Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor and ordered him to stop acting or speaking on his behalf.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, and signed from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu confirmed that Ejiofor’s services had earlier been ended verbally, but said the lawyer continued to present himself as counsel.
“Your engagement as my personal legal representative was previously terminated by me through direct verbal communication,” Kanu wrote. “This letter serves… as a formal written confirmation of that earlier termination.”
Kanu accused Ejiofor of continuing to act as a representative of IPOB despite the withdrawal of authority.
“From the date of this letter, you have no authority — implied, express, or ostensible — to act, speak, or make representations on my behalf, on behalf of my family, or on behalf of IPOB,” he stated.
Citing IPOB’s Code of Conduct, Kanu said only the leader has the power to appoint or dismiss principal officers and legal representatives, unless expressly delegated.
“It follows that no individual, officer, committee, or former office holder… may validly appoint, retain, instruct, authorize, or continue to instruct legal representatives on behalf of IPOB,” he added.
The IPOB leader issued a series of directives to Ejiofor, including an immediate halt to public statements, media appearances or social media posts claiming to represent him or the group.
He also directed the lawyer to withdraw from any ongoing legal matters where he is still listed as counsel and to comply with court procedures to regularise his status.
Kanu further warned against the use or disclosure of confidential information obtained during the course of legal representation.
“Those obligations of confidence survive the termination of your retainer and remain binding indefinitely,” he said, noting concerns over possible misuse of privileged information.
He cautioned that any breach could lead to disciplinary action before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and other legal consequences.
“This is a final warning,” Kanu stated. “Should you disregard this directive… you will leave me with no option but to pursue all lawful remedies.”
He said such actions could include filing a formal petition for professional misconduct and seeking court orders to restrain further representation and protect confidential information.
Kanu also instructed Ejiofor to preserve all documents related to his past legal work, warning against destruction or alteration of any materials.
He reiterated that Ejiofor no longer has any mandate to represent him, his family, or IPOB in any capacity.
