Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the former legal counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has publicly responded to his disengagement by Kanu, asserting that he remains the lawyer for the separatist group. In a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday, Ejiofor clarified that he had already disengaged from representing Kanu in December 2023, well before Kanu's conviction and life sentence. However, he emphasized that his role as IPOB's legal representative continues, backed by a reappointment from a factional IPOB leader.
Ejiofor's Disengagement from Kanu
Ejiofor stated unequivocally that he personally disengaged from legal representation of Nnamdi Kanu since December 2023, long before Kanu's eventual conviction and subsequent life imprisonment. This predates the letter dated 22 July, in which Kanu informed Ejiofor that he had been disengaged as his lawyer and warned him against making public statements on behalf of Kanu, his family, or IPOB. Ejiofor argued that his withdrawal was a proactive step, not a reactive one to Kanu's communication.
Ejiofor Retains IPOB Retainership
Despite ceasing to represent Kanu, Ejiofor insists that he and his legal team remain the solicitors for IPOB. He cited a letter dated 27 July 2026 from Chika Edoziem, leader of the third Directorate of the State (DOS) of IPOB, which reaffirmed his appointment as IPOB's legal representative. The letter stated that it overrides and replaces the initial appointment letter from 2 May 2017, which was signed by Kanu, former Deputy Leader Uche Mefor, and Edoziem. Ejiofor stressed that his professional relationship with IPOB is based on a continuing mandate from the organization, not from any individual, and cannot be unilaterally terminated by Kanu.
Legal Achievements for IPOB
Ejiofor highlighted the work done under his retainership, noting that his team has secured the discharge and acquittal of over 200 alleged IPOB members in various high courts across Nigeria between December 2023 and 2025. This statistic underscores his claim of active and effective representation of IPOB interests in the judicial system.
Conflicting Leadership Structures
The situation is further complicated by internal IPOB leadership changes. Kanu recently dissolved IPOB's DOS, which was led by Edoziem, and appointed a new leader. In response, Edoziem announced Kanu's suspension as IPOB leader. This internal conflict has created a parallel leadership structure, with Edoziem's faction asserting authority. Ejiofor's reliance on the reappointment from Edoziem places him squarely on one side of this divide.
Questioning the Authenticity of Kanu's Letter
Ejiofor also cast doubt on the authenticity of Kanu's disengagement letter, which was purportedly sent from Sokoto prison. He referenced the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, which requires that communications from inmates bear the authentication of the officer in charge of the correctional centre. Ejiofor suggested that without such verification, the letter may not be genuine. This challenges the validity of Kanu's directive and provides a legal basis for Ejiofor to continue his role.
Initial Appointment and Edoziem's Role
The original appointment letter, dated 2 May 2017, was signed by Kanu as IPOB leader, Uche Mefor as Deputy Leader, and Chika Edoziem as head of DOS. Edoziem's reappointment letter in 2026 claims to reflect the current leadership structure, following his re-emergence as DOS leader and Kanu's suspension. Ejiofor attached both the initial and reappointment letters to his statement, reinforcing his argument that his legal representation of IPOB is legitimate and ongoing.
