Nnamdi Kanu fires longtime lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor, ex-counsel breaks silence

Detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has formally terminated the services of his longtime personal lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and directed him to stop representing him, his family and IPOB in any capacity.

In a letter dated July 22, 2026, from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said Ejiofor's appointment had already been terminated verbally, adding that the latest correspondence served as formal written confirmation.

Kanu also withdrew any authority previously granted to Ejiofor to act or speak on behalf of IPOB, insisting the lawyer no longer had any express or implied mandate to represent the separatist group.

He directed Ejiofor to immediately stop issuing public statements, granting interviews, publishing press releases or making social media posts on behalf of him, his family or IPOB. He also instructed the lawyer to withdraw from any pending cases where he remained counsel on record.

Kanu further warned against the disclosure of any confidential information obtained during the course of the legal representation.

"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."

Reacting in a statement posted on Facebook, Ejiofor said he had remained silent despite years of what he described as blackmail, threats and defamatory allegations against him.

According to the lawyer, Kanu had allegedly orchestrated campaigns against him, filed what he called frivolous petitions and encouraged supporters to target him, but he chose not to respond publicly out of respect for legal ethics.

Ejiofor dismissed suggestions that he intended to reveal confidential information, insisting he has always been guided by professional responsibility.

"The time has not yet come for me to divulge professionally obtained information. And even if I had intended to do so, I would have done so long before now."

He also questioned the timing of Kanu's warning on client confidentiality.

"Why the sudden panic? Why the hurried invocation of professional confidentiality? Why the desperate attempt to silence a voice that has, for years, chosen restraint over retaliation?"

Ejiofor concluded by saying he would not respond to what he described as "concocted or apparently forged correspondence," adding that "time is fast running out" and "it is only a matter of time."