By SUNTV Global Correspondent | March 6, 2026
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has disclosed that Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lead counsel for the imprisoned IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, allegedly received ₦10 million for his legal services—a claim the lawyer continues to refute.
The revelation comes after Ejiofor had previously stated that his representation of Kanu in his terrorism trial was entirely pro bono.
According to IPOB’s Finance Directorate, headed by Madam Nnennaya Anya, a total of $100,000 was paid to senior lawyers Mike Ozekhome and Ejiofor for legal representation in Kanu’s case. The payments were reportedly made in two installments into bank accounts provided by Ozekhome.
In a separate statement issued on Friday, IPOB detailed a distinct ₦10 million payment linked to Ejiofor. Titled “Additional confirmation of financial transaction, payment of ₦10,000,000.00 to Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor via Office Manager”, the statement said the funds were transferred on August 13, 2021, to an account managed by Ejiofor’s office manager, Miss Chinwe Umeche, at United Bank for Africa.
“In furtherance of our commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of IPOB finances, particularly regarding disbursements for legal and related support services, we provide this update,” the IPOB statement read.
The group added that the payment was part of operational support authorised directly by Kanu and that Umeche could verify the transaction. IPOB also promised to release additional documentation next week to clarify lingering questions or alleged misinformation.
Despite IPOB’s disclosure, Ejiofor maintains that he never received professional fees for defending Kanu. In a statement on his Facebook page on Thursday, he challenged anyone with proof to come forward.
“I have stated publicly, emphatically, unequivocally, and repeatedly that any person who possesses evidence of the payment of my professional fees throughout the years I led Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team should produce such verifiable evidence and make it public,” Ejiofor wrote.
This latest development adds a new twist to the ongoing saga surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s trial and the financial dealings connected to his defense team.
