NEWS
IPOB Breaks Silence on Legal Payments, Confirms $100,000 Paid to Lawyers, Mike Ozekhome and Ifeanyi Ejiofor for Defence of Nnamdi Kanu Amid Ongoing Legal Battle
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Thursday disclosed that a total sum of $100,000 was paid as legal fees to renowned constitutional lawyer Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor for representing the separatist group’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, during his trial by the Nigerian government.
The revelation was made as part of what the organization described as a move to ensure transparency regarding financial decisions connected to the legal defence of its detained leader.
Ozekhome and Ejiofor were part of Kanu’s legal team during earlier stages of the legal proceedings before the IPOB leader later chose to represent himself in court.
The disclosure was made by Madam Nnennaya Anya, Head of the IPOB Finance Directorate, in a statement she said was “issued on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra.”
According to the statement titled “Public Clarification on Payment to Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, & Ifeanyi Ejiofor,” the explanation became necessary to provide clarity to members of the public and supporters of the group.
IPOB in the statement said, “Public Clarification on Payment to Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, & Ifeanyi Ejiofor’, was issued in the interest of transparency and accountability, and to dispel any misinformation or speculation surrounding the matter.”
The statement read:
“I, Madam Nnennaya Anya, in my capacity as Head of the IPOB Finance Directorate, wish to place on record and clarify for the avoidance of doubt that, acting strictly on the direct instructions of our Supreme Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (Onyendu), I facilitated the transfer of a total sum of One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars ($100,000.00 USD) to accounts designated by Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
“The payment was made in two installments as follows: First installment: Eighty Thousand United States Dollars ($80,000.00 USD)
Second installment: Twenty Thousand United States Dollars ($20,000.00 USD)
“This transaction was duly authorized and executed solely for purposes related to the legal representation and defense of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in line with IPOB’s commitment to securing justice for our leader.
“All necessary records and documentation of this transfer are available within the Directorate for verification by relevant IPOB structures where required.
“This statement is issued in the interest of transparency, accountability, and to dispel any misinformation or speculation surrounding the matter.
“May Chukwu Okike Abiama continue to guide and protect our struggle for justice and self-determination.”
Meanwhile, the legal battle involving Nnamdi Kanu continues to draw national attention. The IPOB leader had filed an appeal challenging his conviction on terrorism-related charges handed down by the Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja.
Kanu is currently serving a life prison term at the Sokoto Prison, while his supporters and legal representatives continue efforts to overturn the judgment through the appellate process.
The clarification by IPOB’s finance directorate is expected to address lingering questions within the pro-Biafra movement regarding financial expenditures linked to the legal defence of its embattled leader.