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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor an “impostor” following his dismissal as counsel to its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, said in a statement on Thursday that Ejiofor no longer represents Kanu or the organisation after the separatist leader removed him from his legal team.
The group said Kanu announced Ejiofor’s dismissal in a letter from Sokoto Prison, accusing the lawyer of failing to provide effective representation in his terrorism trial.
“For the avoidance of doubt: Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu debriefed and sacked Mr. Ejiofor for gross incompetence and professional misconduct,” IPOB said.
Following the dismissal, the group said Ejiofor had no authority to speak for Kanu or represent IPOB in any capacity.
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IPOB also alleged that the lawyer had been working with groups opposed to Kanu’s release, an allegation for which Ejiofor was not quoted as giving a response in the statement.
Describing him as an “impostor”, the organisation warned the public and media against recognising Ejiofor as its counsel or Kanu’s lawyer.
IPOB said only the legal team appointed by Kanu should be recognised as representing him, urging media organisations to correct any reports that continue to identify Ejiofor as the group’s counsel.
The organisation further threatened legal action against media outlets that refer to Ejiofor as its lawyer or spokesperson.
The development follows growing disagreement over Kanu’s legal representation as his terrorism case continues, with IPOB insisting that Ejiofor’s dismissal formally ended his association with the group and its leader.
