IPOB Reaffirms Nnamdi Kanu’s Exclusive Authority to Appoint Legal Representatives

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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a formal clarification on the appointment of lawyers representing its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that only Kanu has the constitutional and organisational authority to select or dismiss legal representatives for himself and the movement.

In a statement signed by IPOB’s spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, on August 13, 2025, the group reaffirmed that all legal appointments remain valid until expressly revoked by Kanu himself, regardless of his detention status. The memorandum stated that even in his absence, only those personally nominated by him can act with such authority.

IPOB also reiterated that every lawyer representing Kanu in any legal capacity is automatically an IPOB lawyer, whether serving in litigation, advisory, research, or jurisdiction-specific roles.

The recognised current legal team includes:

• Lead Counsel (Nigeria): Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN

• Lead Counsel (Kenya): Prof. PLO Lumumba

• Lead Counsel (USA): Bruce Fein, former U.S. Deputy Attorney General

• Lead Counsel (UK): Bindman Group

Other recognised IPOB lawyers are Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor (Principal Counsel), Barr. Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor, Barr. Maxwell Opara, Barr. Agazie, Barr. Jude Ugwuanyi, Barr. Ikenna Nwangwu, and Barr. Mandela Umegborogu.

The statement emphasised that Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s appointment as Principal Counsel remains valid, as it has not been revoked by Kanu. IPOB further directed all members worldwide to strictly adhere to these appointment protocols and avoid making statements that contradict them, in order to maintain unity, discipline, and operational consistency.