The leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has officially confirmed the dismissal of his longtime lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, ending their legal relationship with a formal letter and directing him to stop acting on his behalf.
Kanu, who is facing legal proceedings, signed the letter dated July 22, 2026. In it, he explained that he had already informed Ejiofor verbally that his services were no longer needed but decided to issue a written notice to remove any uncertainty over the matter.
According to Kanu, Ejiofor continued to present himself, directly or indirectly, as his lawyer and as a legal representative of IPOB after the earlier verbal dismissal. He stated that every authority previously given to the lawyer had now been withdrawn.
Kanu said Ejiofor no longer has permission to represent him, his family or IPOB in any way.
He also insisted that only the IPOB leader has the power under the group’s code of conduct to appoint or remove legal representatives for the organisation.
The separatist leader directed the lawyer to stop making public comments on his behalf or on behalf of his family and IPOB.
He also instructed him not to appear in court or anywhere else as his legal representative in ongoing or future matters.
Kanu further reminded Ejiofor that he obtained confidential information about him and IPOB while serving as his lawyer.
He said those details remain protected under legal ethics even after the professional relationship has ended.
He warned that the duty to keep such information private remains in force indefinitely and stated that recent developments had raised concerns that confidential information could be disclosed or used improperly.
Kanu added that he would consider legal action if any protected information is made public.
Ejiofor later responded in a statement posted on his Facebook page, saying he had faced repeated threats and attacks from Kanu despite no longer serving as his lawyer.
The lawyer claimed Kanu had, over time, made several false allegations against him, including accusing him of having a romantic relationship with Kanu’s wife.
Ejiofor described the allegation as false, damaging and completely without basis.
He maintained that he had never considered or engaged in any of the actions he had been accused of and said he had chosen to remain silent despite the repeated allegations.
Ejiofor argued that Kanu’s continued public attacks had changed the situation surrounding their former professional relationship because he could eventually be forced to defend his name and reputation.
He, however, said he has continued to follow the rules of the legal profession and has no intention of revealing confidential information obtained while representing Kanu.
He added that he has acted with restraint and responsibility throughout the dispute and does not wish to become responsible for the consequences of another person’s actions.
