The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has maintained that Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor remains removed as its legal representative, dismissing claims that he was recently reaffirmed as the group's lawyer.
In a press briefing issued on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and signed by the group's spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB described the alleged reappointment as invalid, arguing that it was purportedly authorised by individuals the organisation says were previously expelled from its ranks.
According to IPOB, the document reaffirming Ejiofor's position was allegedly signed by Chika Edoziem, whom the group claims is no longer a member of the organisation. IPOB argued that expelled members lack the authority to appoint or reinstate legal representatives on its behalf.
The group reiterated that its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, remains the only person empowered under the IPOB Code of Conduct to appoint or dismiss officers and legal representatives, unless such authority is delegated.
According to the statement, IPOB insists that Kanu personally removed Ejiofor from his position and that the decision remains in force. The organisation also claimed that Chika Edoziem and other members of the dissolved Third Directorate of State (DOS) are no longer recognised as members of IPOB.
IPOB further urged Ejiofor to familiarise himself with the group's Code of Conduct, stating that anyone representing the organisation should understand and respect its internal rules.
The statement also criticised Ejiofor's handling of Nnamdi Kanu's legal case, alleging that his legal strategy and decisions contributed to the prolonged detention of the IPOB leader. The group claimed that his failure to challenge certain legal proceedings and subsequent actions during the trial amounted to professional negligence and formed part of the reasons for his dismissal.
Additionally, IPOB rejected Ejiofor's reported assertion that the letter terminating his appointment was unauthenticated. The group maintained that the dismissal letter was properly notarised before a lawyer in Sokoto.
The organisation also alleged that any attempt to divide IPOB through what it described as unauthorised appointments would not succeed, adding that it is prepared to defend its position in court if necessary.
Reaffirming its position, IPOB stated that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains its Supreme Leader and that only he has the authority to appoint or remove officials, including lawyers representing the organisation.
The group concluded by stating that it remains united under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu and its Fourth Directorate of State.
