The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally terminated Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s services as his personal lawyer and legal representative of the separatist group, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, accusing him of continuing to act without authority despite an earlier verbal dismissal.

In a letter dated July 22, 2026, and addressed to Ejiofor at his Abuja office, Kanu declared that any authority previously granted to the lawyer to represent him, his family, or IPOB has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

The letter, personally signed by Kanu and issued from the Sokoto Correctional Centre where the IPOB leader is being held, stated that the correspondence was intended to formally confirm what Kanu described as an earlier verbal termination of Ejiofor’s retainer.

“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,” Kanu wrote.

He alleged, however, that Ejiofor had continued to present himself as legal counsel for IPOB, prompting his final written withdrawal of every authority previously granted to him.

“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,” Kanu stated.

“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.

Kanu cited the IPOB Code of Conduct as the basis for the decision, arguing that only the IPOB leader possesses the exclusive power to appoint or dismiss principal officers or authorize legal representation unless such powers are expressly delegated.

According to him, any authority allegedly conferred on Ejiofor by individuals or bodies acting outside the IPOB Code of Conduct is invalid and will not be recognised by the organisation.

The IPOB leader directed Ejiofor to immediately cease making public statements, granting interviews, issuing press releases, or publishing social media posts on matters concerning him, his family, or the organisation.

He also instructed the lawyer to stop portraying himself as his legal representative in any court, public forum, or official capacity and to take the necessary legal steps to withdraw from pending cases where he remains listed as counsel.

Kanu further reminded Ejiofor that legal duties of confidentiality survive the termination of a lawyer-client relationship, warning against the disclosure or use of any confidential or privileged information obtained during years of legal representation.

According to the letter, recent developments have raised “serious concerns” about the possible disclosure or misuse of confidential information, although no specific incidents were identified.

He warned that any unauthorised disclosure of privileged information could amount to professional misconduct and expose the lawyer to disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), as well as other legal consequences.

Kanu also directed Ejiofor to preserve all files and materials relating to his legal representation of both him and IPOB in anticipation of possible legal proceedings.

Kanu threatened to initiate disciplinary proceedings before the LPDC and pursue other legal actions, including injunctions and claims for damages, should Ejiofor continue to represent himself as Kanu’s lawyer or disclose confidential information.

Kanu reserved all legal and equitable rights available to him in both his personal capacity and as IPOB leader, while instructing Ejiofor to “govern yourself accordingly.”