Former lead counsel to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has criticised the legal team that took over his defence, saying their “lack of strategy” and “social-media theatrics” contributed to Kanu’s conviction.
In a statement on Saturday, Ejiofor said he felt compelled to speak after receiving numerous enquiries following the court judgment. He noted that between 2015 and 2023, his own team secured several major wins, including the 2022 Court of Appeal ruling that discharged and acquitted Kanu.
Ejiofor claimed that he and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome were close to securing another major relief before Kanu allegedly shared sensitive information with individuals who pushed him to alter the defence plan. According to him, this disrupted progress and forced their team to withdraw “with integrity intact.”
He accused the new team of turning an “internationally sensitive” trial into a show, focusing more on social-media visibility than legal preparation. Ejiofor said this shift weakened the case and left Kanu vulnerable.
He also criticised the decision to let Kanu defend himself in court, saying it ignored earlier warnings and led to an avoidable conviction. He argued that the disengagement of experienced senior lawyers at a critical stage contributed to the outcome.
Ejiofor said that any attempt to fix the situation would first require addressing what he described as the “damage” caused by the current defence team and reducing unnecessary publicity.
On Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja found Kanu guilty on all seven terrorism charges. Justice James Omotosho sentenced him to life imprisonment and restricted his access to communication devices, except under security supervision.
Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, said the ruling will be appealed. He also confirmed on Friday that Kanu has been transferred from the SSS facility to a prison in Sokoto State.
