Nnamdi Kanu officially sacks longtime lawyer, gives reason

Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has officially terminated the services of his long-standing lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor. The decision was formalized in a letter dated July 22, which Kanu personally signed and sent to Ejiofor.

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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 stated that while he had previously dismissed Ejiofor verbally, the letter served as a formal written confirmation. He accused Ejiofor of continuing to act as his and IPOB's legal representative, directly or indirectly, despite the earlier termination. Kanu explicitly withdrew any authority Ejiofor previously held to act on his behalf, his family's, or IPOB's.

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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.

The IPOB leader stressed that under the organization's code of conduct, only he possesses the power to appoint or retain legal representatives for IPOB. He warned Ejiofor to cease making any public statements on behalf of himself, his family, or the separatist group. Kanu also cautioned Ejiofor against portraying himself as his legal representative in public or courtrooms, particularly concerning ongoing matters where he is listed as counsel.

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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.

Furthermore, Kanu reminded Ejiofor of the confidential and privileged information he acquired during their legal relationship, emphasizing that these details are legally protected. He warned that these confidentiality obligations survive the termination of their retainer and remain binding indefinitely. Kanu indicated he reserves the right to pursue legal action if Ejiofor violates this confidentiality rule, citing recent events that raised concerns about potential disclosures.

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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.