Nnamdi Kanu fires his longtime lawyer, explains why

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has officially fired his longtime lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor.

Kanu shared this news in a letter he signed himself, which was dated July 22. In the letter, he mentioned that he had already sacked Ejiofor verbally but decided to make it official.

"Your engagement as my personal legal representative was previously terminated by me through direct verbal communication, upon which you ceased acting in that capacity. This letter serves, in part, as a formal written confirmation of that earlier termination," he wrote.

Kanu accused Ejiofor of still acting "directly or indirectly" as his legal representative despite the earlier termination.

"Accordingly, and for the avoidance of any doubt whatsoever, I hereby formally withdraw and terminate any authority previously granted to you to act for or represent IPOB in any capacity.

"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 in the letter.

Kanu referred to a part of the IPOB code of conduct about appointing and dismissing representatives. He emphasized that only he has the power to appoint or keep any legal representative for IPOB.

"As the leader of IPOB and the holder of the exclusive authority vested in me under the Code of Conduct, I hereby reaffirm that any authority previously granted to you to represent IPOB has been withdrawn," he said.

He told Ejiofor to stop making any public statements for him, his family, or IPOB. Kanu also warned Ejiofor to stop acting like his legal representative in public or in court, even in cases where Ejiofor was listed as the lawyer.

Kanu reminded Ejiofor that he had access to confidential information about him and IPOB during his time as a lawyer. He pointed out that this information is legally protected.

"Those obligations of confidence survive the termination of your retainer and remain binding indefinitely under the applicable rules governing legal practitioners.

"Recent events have given rise to serious concerns regarding the possible disclosure or use of information obtained during the course of that representation," he added, stating he could sue Ejiofor if he breaks the confidentiality rule.

In response, Ejiofor posted a statement on his Facebook page on Monday. He claimed that Kanu had been blackmailing and threatening him, even while in prison in Sokoto.

Ejiofor alleged that Kanu had sent people to try to harm him. He also mentioned that Kanu falsely accused him of having an intimate relationship with Kanu’s wife.

Ejiofor called Kanu’s claim about his wife "the most reprehensible and utterly unfounded and defamatory allegation." He said he never thought about doing such things.

He expressed that he has kept quiet despite many accusations against him. Ejiofor argued that Kanu’s attacks against him have changed the situation regarding professional confidentiality, as he might need to defend his reputation.

"Let me, therefore, tell the daydreamer this: 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. I have, however, consistently allowed myself to be guided by the dictates of professional ethics, restraint and responsibility," he said.

"I have no desire whatsoever to become responsible for the consequences of another person’s actions."

Ejiofor was the lead lawyer for Kanu. However, in June 2023, Kanu’s family announced that they had also dismissed Ejiofor along with another lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

"I hereby formally notify @MikeozekhomeSAN and @IfeanyiEjiofor that their services are no longer required in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case pending before the Supreme Court of Nigeria and all (cases) concerning him," Kanunta Kanu, Kanu’s brother, posted on X.

Kanunta said the family was unhappy because Ozekhome had not seen Kanu at the State Security Service facility since May 11, despite several requests from Kanu.