In a letter dated July 22, 2026, and personally signed by Kanu, the leader of the proscribed separatist group said the written notice was issued to formally confirm that Ejiofor's appointment had already been terminated.
Kanu stated that Ejiofor no longer has any authority to represent him, his family or IPOB in any legal or public capacity. He directed the lawyer to stop making public statements or appearing in court on matters relating to him or the organisation.
He also maintained that, under IPOB's code of conduct, only he has the authority to appoint or remove legal representatives for the group.
According to the letter, any authority previously granted to Ejiofor to act for IPOB has been withdrawn. Kanu further warned against any direct or indirect representation of his interests going forward.
The IPOB leader raised concerns over confidential information obtained during Ejiofor's time as his legal representative. He reminded the lawyer that professional obligations regarding privileged information remain in force after the termination of legal services and warned that legal action could follow any breach of confidentiality.
Ejiofor Responds
Responding in a statement published on his Facebook page, Ejiofor accused Kanu of making threats and false allegations against him over the years.
The lawyer alleged that Kanu had previously accused him of having an intimate relationship with his wife, an allegation he described as defamatory and entirely unfounded. He also claimed that Kanu had made several attempts to blackmail him despite his continued silence on the matter.
Ejiofor said he has consistently adhered to professional ethics and has not disclosed confidential information obtained during his legal representation of Kanu.
He added that while Kanu's public attacks have affected the circumstances surrounding professional confidentiality, he remains committed to exercising restraint and responsibility.
"I have no desire whatsoever to become responsible for the consequences of another person's actions," Ejiofor said in the statement.
Background
Ejiofor served as lead counsel to Kanu for several years. In June 2023, Kanu's family announced that both Ejiofor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome had been removed from the IPOB leader's legal team.
At the time, Kanu's younger brother, Kanunta Kanu, stated that their services were no longer required in matters relating to Kanu's case before Nigeria's Supreme Court and other legal proceedings.
The latest letter from Kanu formally documents his decision and reiterates that Ejiofor no longer has any mandate to represent him or IPOB.
