The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned media organisations against identifying lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor as counsel to the group or its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, issued the warning in a statement on Thursday, saying Ejiofor no longer represents the pro-Biafra group or Kanu.
The development follows an earlier decision by Kanu to remove Ejiofor as his lawyer. IPOB said the lawyer was dismissed over what it described as alleged professional misconduct and ineffective handling of Kanu’s legal matters.
According to the group, Ejiofor has not been authorised to speak or act on behalf of IPOB since his removal.
IPOB further alleged that the lawyer had subsequently appeared in matters involving interests it said were opposed to Kanu’s release, describing him as an “impostor” in relation to the group.
The organisation therefore urged journalists and media houses to exercise caution when reporting on Ejiofor’s activities.
“Any media house that publishes or refers to Ifeanyi Ejiofor as IPOB counsel will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement warned.
IPOB maintained that only lawyers appointed by Kanu constitute the group’s recognised legal team and urged supporters to disregard individuals claiming to represent the organisation without authorisation.
The statement adds another layer to the ongoing legal and political controversy surrounding Kanu’s case and the representation of the detained IPOB leader.
