Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, human rights lawyer and counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has called for a carefully coordinated legal and political strategy to secure the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, following his conviction for terrorism and life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025.
In a statement released on Monday, Ejiofor cautioned that the current wave of emotional reactions, misinformation, and public grandstanding threatens to undermine any meaningful legal progress. He emphasized that only a structured approach, combining political influence with top-tier legal expertise, can deliver a successful appeal.
“The next phase in Kanu’s legal struggle requires a coordinated effort led by Igbo political figures of unquestionable integrity,” Ejiofor stated. He stressed that the taskforce must include South-East state executives, federal cabinet members of Igbo extraction, and nationally respected figures capable of shaping political outcomes.
Ejiofor outlined the first step as a joint visit by the political–legal team to Kanu at the correctional facility, with objectives including securing his explicit mandate, aligning on a unified strategy, and calibrating expectations. Only after this groundwork should any appellate process commence.
He warned against rushing an appeal, noting: “Any appeal filed prematurely, without political alignment and strategic coordination, will arrive dead on arrival, smothered under procedural pitfalls and prejudice.”
Ejiofor further advised supporters to avoid public outbursts or online hostility, describing such actions as counterproductive. Despite the setback, he encouraged calm, disciplined action, asserting that with the right actors and strategy, the desired outcome remains achievable.
“Not now. Not yet. Not ever,” he concluded, urging a measured, strategic response from all involved.
