Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the legal counsel for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has strongly criticized Simon Ekpa, who claims to be the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile based in Finland. Ejiofor characterizes Ekpa as a “fraudster” and an “opportunist” who is exploiting the void left by Kanu’s imprisonment to pursue his own selfish interests. He further asserts that Ekpa’s agenda contradicts Nnamdi Kanu’s principles.

In an exclusive interview with us, Barrister Ejiofor affirms that Nnamdi Kanu does not endorse the frequent sit-at-home directives and the destructive actions harming livelihoods in the Southeast region. Additionally, he provides updates on Kanu’s legal case and addresses various issues. Here are the key points:

Misguided Sit-at-Home Orders Contradict Kanu’s Beliefs

Supporters of the sit-at-home protests argue that this approach is meant to exert continuous pressure on the government and demand the immediate release of Kanu by the Department of State Services (DSS). What is your perspective on their rationale?

Ejiofor: Their argument is fundamentally flawed and lacks credibility. How can it be justified when Nnamdi Kanu, for whom these sit-at-home protests are intended, has expressly instructed that they cease, as he disapproves of this strategy?

I would like to clarify that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has unequivocally revoked any support for sit-at-home actions. This strategy has been deemed ineffective for nearly two years. In fact, he initially communicated his opposition to this approach when it was proposed by the Directorate of State (DOS). He explicitly directed me to convey the message that the sit-at-home tactic should be abandoned. He cautioned that such protests could inadvertently create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit and cause disturbances within our communities.

The IPOB leadership displayed rationality when I conveyed MNK’s directive against sit-at-home actions. They comprehended the rationale behind his stance and subsequently rescinded the directive. However, it was after this cancellation announcement that certain individuals, seeking personal relevance, began issuing contradictory orders to continue the sit-at-home protests. They resorted to hurling insults and threats, deceiving the vulnerable into believing they were acting in MNK’s best interest. Yet, unbeknownst to them, the individual spearheading the ongoing sit-at-home initiatives is pursuing an entirely distinct agenda. His ideology, plans, and motives significantly diverge from the public perception of his intentions.

MNK has consistently communicated his message, urging people to halt sit-at-home protests concerning his case. He has explicitly expressed his desire for calm and peace in the Southeast. He emphasized that the challenges he endures serve the purpose of liberating the Igbo people. This was conveyed without any form of coercion or pressure. Furthermore, he directly communicated through a handwritten note to the individual responsible for organizing the sit-at-home, explicitly requesting that such actions not be pursued on his behalf. It is difficult to reconcile the objectives of MNK, who is detained and undergoing considerable emotional distress in the pursuit of his people’s liberation, with those who engage in kidnappings, killings, and other criminal acts. The discrepancy between their motives and MNK’s principles is evident.

Effectiveness of Sit-at-Home Protests and Impact on MNK’s Case

Do sit-at-home protests effectively serve the purpose of pressuring the government for Nnamdi Kanu’s release from DSS custody?

Ejiofor: Sit-at-home protests have proven ineffective and are unlikely to compel the federal government to take action on MNK’s case. In fact, I have strong reasons to believe that the government and the Department of State Services (DSS) view the ongoing unrest in the Southeast as advantageous. There is a concerning possibility that the individual in Finland orchestrating the sit-at-home orders is receiving support, funding, and even arming from the government.

For instance, certain communities in Imo State have fallen under the control of these criminal elements. Despite the government’s awareness of these developments, rather than deploying security forces to address the situation, they appear to be more focused on apprehending innocent civilians. Regrettably, innocent lives are being lost, and individuals are being apprehended in significant numbers and transported to Abuja.

A friend of mine tragically lost his sister, and when I inquired about her burial arrangements, he informed me that the criminal elements operating in the community were dictating the terms of the funeral. These same individuals dictate the date, time, guest list, and duration of guests’ stay. This troubling reality is prevalent in multiple areas of Imo and Anambra States, where the same governors claim to be combating insecurity.

However, recent directives urge the government to take measures against these criminals. In my assessment, the sit-at-home protests have had minimal impact on the ongoing court proceedings.

Manipulation of Sit-at-Home by Opportunists

How has the situation with the sit-at-home protests affected Nnamdi Kanu’s legal case?

Ejiofor: The situation has placed a significant emotional burden on Nnamdi Kanu. He remains isolated in solitary confinement, cut off from human interaction. This isolation compounds the emotional trauma he has endured since his abduction in Kenya on June 19, 2021. After enduring eight days of torture and inhumane treatment, he was transported to Nigeria through an extraordinary rendition process, treated as a criminal, and presented before a court on June 29 without prior notice to his legal team. The court subsequently ordered his detention in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). It’s worth noting that the DSS is not a conventional detention facility for individuals awaiting trial, a role typically fulfilled by the correctional service center.

Throughout this ordeal, the charges against him have undergone multiple revisions. They initially increased from five to seven counts, eventually escalating to ten, and finally to fifteen. We consistently objected to the competence and jurisdiction of these charges, citing gross violations of international and domestic laws in his unlawful rendition to Nigeria. Furthermore, the charges lacked credible evidence to substantiate them, forming the basis of our objections.

Ultimately, the Court of Appeal rendered a significant judgement on the fifteen-count charge, striking down most of the charges and leaving only seven remaining. We proceeded to the Supreme Court to challenge this decision. The Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for September 14, 2023. Despite these legal developments, Nnamdi Kanu remains deeply troubled by the ongoing situation.

Violation of Court Orders and Implications

How has the federal government’s disregard for court orders affected Nnamdi Kanu’s condition in DSS custody?

Ejiofor: Nnamdi Kanu’s emotional state has been profoundly affected by the government’s failure to respect court orders. The circumstances of his abduction, unlawful detention, and the subsequent failure to comply with the court’s release order have all contributed to his distress. This situation reflects a concerning lack of regard for the rule of law and constitutional principles.

While we refrain from taking the law into our own hands, we hold hope that justice will prevail when the Supreme Court hears our case on September 14, 2023. We are dedicated to upholding the principles of the legal system and safeguarding the rule of law, even in the face of challenges.

In summary, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, addresses the misguided sit-at-home protests, the impact on Kanu’s legal case, and the government’s disregard for court orders. Ejiofor emphasizes that these protests are contradictory to Kanu’s beliefs and have had minimal influence on his legal situation. He calls attention to the government’s failure to comply with court orders and expresses hope for justice in the upcoming Supreme Court hearing.