Following claims by lawyer Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor that he represented Nnamdi Kanu free of charge during his terrorism trial, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has released details indicating that a ₦10 million payment was made to him.
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IPOB, through Madam Nnennaya Anya, Head of the group’s Finance Directorate, had earlier disclosed on Thursday that Mike Ozekhome and Ejiofor were jointly paid $100,000 for their legal services in Kanu’s trial.
According to Anya, the $100,000 was paid in two instalments into bank accounts provided by Ozekhome.
In a follow-up statement issued on Friday, IPOB, again through Anya, also provided details of a ₦10 million transaction allegedly paid to Ejiofor.
The statement was titled: “Additional Confirmation of Financial Transaction – Payment of ₦10,000,000.00 to Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor via Office Manager.”
The statement read, “In furtherance of our commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of IPOB finances, particularly regarding disbursements for legal and related support services, I wish to provide this update.
“Attached transaction records (bank confirmation dated 13 August 2021) clearly show a transfer of Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000.00) effected on 13 August 2021. The funds were remitted to the designated account linked to Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor through his office manager, Miss Chinwe Umeche (also referred to as Chinwe/Endu Cordelia in some records), at United Bank for Africa (UBA).
“This payment forms part of legitimate operational support processed under direct authorization of our leader Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in line with established directives. For verification or any clarification, Miss Chinwe Umeche can be contacted directly as the relevant officer who facilitated receipt on behalf of the chambers.
“Additional proof and supporting documentation of another payment will be made public next week to further address any lingering questions or misinformation.”
“This briefing is issued strictly for the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of upholding IPOB’s principles of openness.”
Ejiofor has been insisting that he did not collect money for representing Kanu in the terrorism trial.
In a statement he published on his Facebook page on Thursday, the lawyer said, “I have stated publicly, emphatically, unequivocally, and repeatedly that any person who possesses evidence of the payment of my professional fees throughout the years I led Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team should produce such verifiable evidence and make it public.”
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