Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor

Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor Esq. (KSC) also known as  (Sir Ifeanyi C. Ejiofor) born on January 24, 1975 hails from Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. He is a distinguished lawyer and a dedicated human rights advocate, renowned for his unwavering commitment to defending the oppressed, marginalized, and underprivileged. Ejiofor serves as the lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a global, peaceful movement championing the right to self-determination for Indigenous peoples.

Throughout his career, Sir Ejiofor has handled numerous high-profile cases, consistently securing favourable outcomes. Despite facing significant challenges and threats due to his advocacy, his relentless pursuit of justice and societal improvement has cemented his reputation as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.

Early Life and Education

Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor was born in Oraifite, a town in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. He pursued his undergraduate studies in law at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where he earned his LL.B. in 2002. He attended the Nigerian Law School (2003/2004 session) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2004. Ejiofor honed his legal expertise during his tutelage at the chambers of Kayode (SAN) & Co., where he gained exposure to diverse areas of legal practice.

Career and Achievements

In 2008, Sir Ejiofor established I.C. Ejiofor & Co., a full-service law firm headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria. The firm is recognized for its dedication to human rights advocacy, criminal defense, and corporate legal services, boasting a strong regional presence and international connections. Over the years, Ejiofor has built a reputation for professional competency and service delivery.

Key Roles:

• Lead Counsel for IPOB: Ejiofor serves as the lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, advocating for the self-determination rights of Indigenous peoples.
• Human Rights Advocacy: Known for defending the oppressed and marginalized, Ejiofor provides pro bono legal services to disadvantaged communities.

Expertise:

• Criminal Litigation (90%)
• International Law (99%)
• Human Rights Defense (99%)
• Corporate Legal Practice (99%)

Professional Memberships:

• Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

Controversies and Challenges

December 2019 Incident: Clash in Oraifite

On December 2, 2019, a violent confrontation occurred at the residence of Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. According to the Anambra State Police Command, officers were dispatched to Ejiofor’s home to investigate a reported case. During the operation, two police officers were killed, leading the police to declare Ejiofor wanted on charges including conspiracy, murder, treasonable felony, arson, and armed robbery. ​

Ejiofor refuted the allegations, asserting that the police unlawfully invaded his home with the intent to assassinate him. He claimed that more than 10 people were killed during the incident, including his personal staff and community members. The clash drew widespread attention, prompting the House of Representatives to call for an investigation into the killings.

June 2021 Army Raid: Fatal Encounter

In June 2021, Ejiofor’s residence was reportedly raided by a combined team of Nigerian Army soldiers, Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, and police officers. During the raid, his personal assistant, Samuel Uzo Okoro, also known as “Biggy,” was allegedly shot and killed. Eyewitnesses, including Ejiofor’s elder brother, Joel Ejiofor, stated that the security forces invaded the home with a native doctor, and the body of Okoro was taken away by the attackers. ​

Ejiofor described the raid as a targeted assassination attempt and a violation of his human rights. He emphasized that the continuous attacks were linked to his role as the legal counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Defamation Lawsuits Ifeanyi Ejiofor vs. Emeka Ugwuonye (2023):

In July 2023, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor secured a significant legal victory in a high-profile defamation case against controversial activist and disbarred attorney Emeka Ugwuonye. The case, heard before Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, centered on a series of defamatory posts published by Ugwuonye on platforms associated with his online group, Due Process Advocates (DPA). These posts leveled grave and unsubstantiated allegations against Ejiofor, including claims of unethical conduct and professional misconduct, without any supporting evidence.

The defamatory content circulated widely across social media—particularly on Facebook—causing reputational damage and emotional distress to Ejiofor, who at the time was serving as the lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In her ruling, Justice Nwosu-Iheme held that the publications were malicious and lacked any factual basis. The court awarded ₦5.5 million in damages to Ejiofor and issued a perpetual injunction restraining Ugwuonye and his affiliates from making or disseminating further defamatory remarks about him.

The judgment was hailed as a precedent-setting decision, reinforcing the judiciary’s position against the rising tide of online defamation, especially in cases involving politically sensitive figures and human rights defenders. It also served as a reminder of the ethical obligations of legal professionals—whether practicing or disbarred—to refrain from reckless commentary that could endanger lives or mislead the public.

February 2024 Defamation Lawsuit:

In February 2024, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor initiated a ₦50 billion defamation lawsuit against a prominent Anambra-based union, accusing its members of publishing and circulating malicious and false information intended to damage his character and professional standing. The lawsuit, filed in a high court, specifically cited defamatory statements made in both print and digital formats, which allegedly portrayed him in a negative light and questioned his integrity as a legal practitioner and human rights advocate. Ejiofor’s legal team emphasized that the publications were not only baseless but also politically motivated, designed to undermine his ongoing legal advocacy and silence his voice in matters of public interest.

By pursuing such a significant legal action, Ejiofor underscored his unwavering commitment to defending his personal and professional reputation. He also used the moment to caution against the growing trend of misinformation and character assassination targeted at activists and legal professionals engaged in politically sensitive cases.

Despite the controversy surrounding the lawsuit, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor has remained steadfast in his mission. He continues to advocate for justice, rule of law, and peaceful resolution of conflicts in Nigeria’s South-East region. Throughout his legal and activist career, he has consistently promoted dialogue and non-violent approaches to addressing regional agitations, reinforcing his belief in lawful and constructive engagement as a pathway to lasting peace.

Key Achievements

• Legal Victories for IPOB:
  Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor has been instrumental in securing legal victories for members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group seeking self-determination for the Igbo people. Over the years, he has successfully obtained the release of numerous IPOB members who were arbitrarily detained by Nigerian security forces. His legal strategies have led to several landmark rulings affirming the fundamental rights of detainees, particularly in cases where due process was ignored. Ejiofor’s courtroom successes have earned him respect among pro-democracy advocates and positioned him as one of the most fearless human rights lawyers in the region.
• Resilient Advocacy:
  Despite facing grave personal risks, including surviving multiple assassination attempts and violent raids on his residence, Ejiofor has remained undeterred in his pursuit of justice. Notably, his home in Oraifite, Anambra State, was attacked in December 2019 during a police operation that resulted in the loss of lives and significant destruction. Rather than retreating, he responded by pursuing legal redress and bringing national attention to the threats faced by human rights defenders in Nigeria. His resilience in the face of these life-threatening incidents has amplified his profile as a courageous and principled advocate for the oppressed.
• Established I.C. Ejiofor & Co.:
  Ejiofor is the principal partner of I.C. Ejiofor & Co., a distinguished legal firm headquartered in Abuja, with branches in other parts of Nigeria. Under his leadership, the firm has built a strong reputation for legal excellence, professionalism, and commitment to justice. Specializing in constitutional law, human rights litigation, and criminal defense, the firm has handled high-profile and politically sensitive cases with integrity and diligence. I.C. Ejiofor & Co. is also known for mentoring young lawyers, further contributing to the legal profession’s growth in Nigeria.
• Pro Bono Services:
  A staunch believer in equal access to justice, Ejiofor regularly offers pro bono legal representation to indigent clients, particularly those facing oppression or unjust persecution. His commitment to social justice is reflected in his efforts to support marginalized communities and individuals who lack the resources to defend themselves legally. Through these acts of service, he has helped to bridge the justice gap in Nigeria and promote the rule of law as a tool for societal transformation.

Publications and Advocacy

Sir Ejiofor frequently shares legal analyses and public statements, advocating for justice, peace, and professional ethics. His public engagements emphasize the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving justice.

Personal Life

Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor is a devoted Christian, a loving husband, and a proud father who places great value on family and faith. His personal life is grounded in strong moral and spiritual principles, which continue to guide his professional conduct and advocacy work. Despite facing persistent threats to his life and safety due to his high-profile legal engagements, Ejiofor remains unwavering in his commitment to justice, human dignity, and the rule of law. His resilience is not only rooted in his legal expertise but also in a deep-seated belief in divine protection and the transformative power of justice.

Knighthood

Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor was formally invested into the Order of the Knighthood of Saint Christopher (KSC) within the Anglican Communion on February 13, 2022. The investiture ceremony took place under the auspices of the Diocese of Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. This honor recognizes his steadfast commitment to faith, justice, and service to humanity. As a Knight of St. Christopher, Ejiofor is entrusted with upholding the spiritual and moral values of the Anglican Church and serving as a role model within both the church and the wider community.

The knighthood is a significant milestone in Ejiofor’s life, reflecting his deep-rooted Christian faith and his dedication to ethical leadership. It also complements his public service and legal advocacy, reinforcing his identity as both a spiritual and civic leader. His knighthood is frequently acknowledged in formal communications, where he is addressed as “Sir Ifeanyi C. Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC).”

The ceremony garnered attention from various dignitaries and members of the community, including notable figures like Prophet Odumeje, who attended to show support. ​

Social Media

Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor is active on social media, particularly Twitter, where he provides updates on his legal work and advocacy efforts.

• Twitter Handle: @ejioforbar

Summary

Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s journey exemplifies resilience, professional integrity, and dedication to justice. As a lawyer, human rights advocate, and leader, his unwavering commitment to defending the oppressed has cemented his position as a distinguished figure in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape. His work with IPOB, his firm’s reputation, and his advocacy for peaceful resolutions continue to define his legacy.

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