Manny Ita –
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has released additional details regarding payments allegedly made to Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a former lawyer to its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, amid an ongoing dispute over claims that the legal services were rendered without charge.
In a statement issued on Saturday, IPOB said it was providing further clarification about a $19,000 payment allegedly made to Ejiofor for humanitarian and advocacy purposes connected to Kanu’s legal defence. The statement was signed by Madam Nnennaya Anya, Head of the group’s Directorate of Finance.
The development comes days after the pro-Biafra organisation disclosed that a total of $100,000 had been paid to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome and Ejiofor while they served as Kanu’s legal representatives. IPOB had also earlier released details of a ₦10 million payment allegedly made to Ejiofor through an “office manager”.
In the latest statement titled “Further clarification on financial transaction: Confirmation of $19,000.00 USD payment to Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor for humanitarian and advocacy purposes,” Anya said the payment was carried out in August 2021 following instructions from Kanu.
“In continuation of our commitment to transparency and accountability regarding financial matters related to the legal defense and advocacy for our Supreme Leader, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I, Madam Nnennaya Anya, in my official capacity as the Head of the Directorate of Finance for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide, wish to provide this additional confirmation of a specific transaction,” the statement read.
“On the 9th of August 2021, shortly after the unlawful kidnap, torture, and extraordinary rendition of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria, he directly instructed me to effect a transfer of Nineteen Thousand United States Dollars ($19,000.00 USD) to Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor. This payment was duly executed as directed, for humanitarian and advocacy purposes in support of his legal representation and related efforts.”
The statement further explained that the funds were transferred from a United States bank account to a domiciliary account in Nigeria.
“The funds were wired from our account at Chase Bank in the United States directly into Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s USD domiciliary account at Fidelity Bank Plc, Lagos, Nigeria, under the beneficiary name ‘Ben I. Ejiofor & Company.’ The transaction reference included details for ‘Humanitarian And Advocacy Pymt’ with the reason stated as ‘Business.’”
Anya said the group had also attached what it described as authentic banking documentation to support the claim.
“Attached hereto is the authentic bank statement from Chase Bank, serving as irrefutable proof of this transfer, including the date, amount, beneficiary details, and associated wire fee of $50.00 USD.”
She said the disclosure was made to counter denials regarding payments connected to Kanu’s case.
“This disclosure is made in the public interest to address and refute any assertions or denials regarding the receipt of professional fees or payments for services rendered in connection with Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case. IPOB remains steadfast in ensuring all facts are laid bare, countering misinformation, and upholding the integrity of our movement.”
“We urge all stakeholders, supporters, and the general public to disregard any contrary claims and rely on these documented facts,” the statement added.
Ejiofor, however, has maintained that his legal services to Kanu were offered pro bono, insisting that he neither requested nor received any payment for representing the IPOB leader.
