The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has disowned lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor, insisting that he no longer represents the group or its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Thursday, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful said Ejiofor had been removed as Kanu’s counsel and as IPOB’s lawyer.
The group recalled that Kanu, in a letter from Sokoto Prison, announced Ejiofor’s dismissal and accused him of failing to provide effective legal representation in his terrorism trial.
IPOB also accused the lawyer of gross incompetence and professional misconduct, allegations Ejiofor has not been quoted as responding to in the statement.
The group warned media organisations against referring to Ejiofor as its counsel, threatening legal action against those who do so.
“For the avoidance of doubt: Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu debriefed and sacked Mr. Ejiofor for gross incompetence and professional misconduct,” the statement said.
IPOB further alleged that Ejiofor had been working with groups opposed to Kanu’s release, describing him as an “impostor” and insisting that he no longer speaks for the organisation.
The group said its recognised legal team is the one appointed by Kanu and urged the public and media to disregard anyone else claiming to represent IPOB or its leader.
