IPOB Reveals ₦10m Payment to Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Dismisses Pro Bono Claims
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has disclosed that it paid Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor ₦10 million for his services in the terrorism trial of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, contradicting the lawyer’s insistence that he worked pro bono.
IPOB, through its Head of the Finance Directorate, Madam Nnennaya Anya, stated on Thursday that both Ejiofor and Mike Ozekhome were paid $100,000 to represent Kanu during the trial.
According to Anya, the amount was paid in two instalments into accounts provided by Ozekhome.
In a follow-up statement on Friday, IPOB provided details of a separate ₦10 million payment to Ejiofor. Titled “Additional confirmation of financial transaction – payment of ₦10,000,000.00 to Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor via Office Manager.”
The statement read, “In furtherance of our commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of IPOB finances, particularly regarding disbursements for legal and related support services, I wish to provide this update. Attached transaction records (bank confirmation dated 13 August 2021) clearly show a transfer of Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000.00) effected on 13 August 2021. The funds were remitted to the designated account linked to Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor through his office manager, Miss Chinwe Umeche (also referred to as Chinwe/Endu Cordelia in some records), at United Bank for Africa (UBA).
“This payment forms part of legitimate operational support processed under direct authorization of our leader Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in line with established directives. For verification or any clarification, Miss Chinwe Umeche can be contacted directly as the relevant officer who facilitated receipt on behalf of the chambers. Additional proof and supporting documentation of another payment will be made public next week to further address any lingering questions or misinformation. This briefing is issued strictly for the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of upholding IPOB’s principles of openness.”
Ejiofor, however, has continued to deny receiving any payment for representing Kanu.
On Thursday, he wrote on his Facebook page, “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.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
