Nnamdi Kanu lawyer confidentiality obligations ex-client disclosure

• Nnamdi Kanu has instructed his former lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, not to disclose certain information about himself and IPOB.
• In Nigeria, lawyers are bound by professional rules that dictate how they handle confidential client information.
• Disclosing sensitive or privileged information without consent can lead to disciplinary action against the lawyer.
• The dispute highlights the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respecting lawyer-client privilege in Nigerian law.

Mr. Kanu had engaged Mr. Ejiofor to represent him in a court case related to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group advocating for the independence of the southeastern region of Nigeria.

A dispute has arisen between Nigerian separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism in November 2025 with an appeal pending, and his former lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor. Mr. Kanu had engaged Mr. Ejiofor to represent him in a court case related to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group advocating for the independence of the southeastern region of Nigeria. While Mr. Ejiofor insists he voluntarily withdrew as Kanu's personal lawyer in December 2023, Kanu formally dismissed him in July 2026, though Ejiofor continues to represent IPOB as an organization. During their representation, Mr. Kanu instructed Mr. Ejiofor not to disclose certain information about himself and IPOB, which he deemed 'confidential and privileged.' The warning was given in the context of legal proceedings, where such information could be potentially damaging or sensitive.

In Nigeria, lawyers are bound by professional rules that govern their conduct. These rules dictate how lawyers handle confidential information about their clients. While the specifics may vary depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, generally speaking, lawyers have a duty to maintain client confidentiality even after the representation has ended. This means that they cannot disclose sensitive or privileged information without their client's consent. The legal framework surrounding lawyer-client privilege in Nigeria is guided by various statutes and regulations, including the Legal Practitioners Act (for which a repeal and reenactment bill has passed the Senate) and the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023. These laws emphasize the importance of maintaining confidentiality and outline the consequences for breaching this duty.

The dispute between Mr. Kanu and Mr. Ejiofor highlights the potential risks lawyers face when handling confidential information about their ex-clients. If a lawyer discloses such information without proper authorization, they could be exposing themselves to disciplinary action. This is not just a matter of professional ethics; it also has legal implications. Lawyers in Nigeria must be aware of these obligations and take steps to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences for both the lawyer and their client. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respecting the boundaries of lawyer-client privilege.

Lawyers in Nigeria should be aware of the potential exposure to disciplinary action if they disclose confidential information about their ex-clients, and should take steps to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Source: Original reporting via Premium Times Nigeria