Kanu Fires Lawyer for ‘Gross Incompetence’ — IPOB Warns Media: Stop Calling Him Our Counsel

• The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor is no longer a member of its legal team, stating that he does not represent the group or its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor is no longer a member of its legal team, stating that he does not represent the group or its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB made the position known in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful.

According to Powerful, Kanu had previously dismissed Ejiofor over alleged “gross incompetence and professional misconduct” in the handling of his legal case.

The group alleged that Ejiofor mishandled aspects of Kanu’s case and allowed what it described as an “impermissible civil stay” to be used to overturn a criminal discharge.

IPOB further alleged that since his dismissal, Ejiofor had been working with individuals and groups opposed to Kanu’s release.

The group, however, acknowledged that Ejiofor could continue to represent other individuals in his capacity as a private lawyer but insisted that he should not be described as IPOB counsel.

“While Mr. Ejiofor may, in his personal capacity as a lawyer, represent individuals wrongly accused, he is not to be referred to as IPOB counsel,” the statement said.

IPOB also warned media organisations against identifying Ejiofor as its counsel, saying such references could attract legal action.

The group maintained that only lawyers appointed by Kanu and the IPOB leadership should be recognised as members of its legal team.

IPOB urged its supporters to remain vigilant and reject individuals or groups it believes are attempting to misrepresent the organisation or undermine Kanu’s authority.

The claims contained in the statement are those of IPOB and have not been independently verified.