Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, former legal counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has cautioned against rushing to file an appeal against Kanu’s recent life sentence without first establishing strong political groundwork and high-level coordination.
In a statement issued Monday, Ejiofor emphasized that strategy, not public theatrics, must guide all decisions surrounding the case, warning that emotional reactions and misinformation could undermine meaningful efforts.
Ejiofor stated that Kanu’s legal situation has grown increasingly complex, involving not only legal arguments but also political, diplomatic, and public considerations.
He revealed that many concerned individuals worldwide have reached out for clarity on Kanu’s future, prompting him to address the realities of the case and calls for his return to the legal team.
Ejiofor stressed that resolving the matter requires urgent and coordinated intervention from respected Igbo political leaders, senior legal experts, and figures with national influence. He called for a coalition of South-East governors, federal cabinet members, and other prominent leaders to engage the Federal Government strategically. While refraining from naming specific individuals for strategic reasons, he emphasized that these efforts must be led by those with integrity, credibility, and political clout.
The lawyer also called for a team of highly experienced legal professionals with international recognition to handle the appeals process. He warned against involving inexperienced lawyers or those focused on public showmanship, describing the situation as one that demands “master craftsmen of the law.”
Ejiofor outlined the necessity of a joint visit by the proposed political and legal taskforce to Nnamdi Kanu in custody before any legal action is taken. According to him, this visit would serve four purposes:
a. Securing Kanu’s full mandate;
b. Establishing a unified strategy;
c. Setting clear expectations;
d. Ensuring cohesion among all involved parties.
He stressed that only after achieving this unity should the team quietly engage the Federal Government in meaningful negotiations, which must take precedence over filing an appeal.
Ejiofor strongly advised against rushing to court without adequate political and strategic preparation, warning that such an appeal would fail due to legal complexities, technical errors, and prejudice.
“Any appeal rushed to court at this moment, without groundwork, without political alignment, without strategic coordination, will arrive, tragically, dead on arrival,” he wrote, adding that this assessment is based on experience, not pessimism.
The lawyer also warned against individuals using the situation for personal or political gain through public drama and loud statements, noting that such actions could harm the broader effort.
He urged supporters to avoid emotional outbursts, hostile comments, and unnecessary online conflicts, which could derail progress.
Despite the challenges, Ejiofor expressed hope for a favorable resolution, emphasizing that calm execution, strategic planning, and coordinated action could still achieve success.
He reminded supporters that sensitive political negotiations often succeed through private discussions rather than public debates.