The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described as a mistake the removal of Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Comrade Ifeanyi Ejiofor from the legal team of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
HURIWA stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko.
It noted that their removal is a high technical error and a profound misstep, regarding the monumental successes both lawyers have achieved in the course of defending Kanu.
The organization also demanded “a re-evaluation of Kanu’s legal strategy”, stressing the importance of unity and collaboration among all stakeholders involved.
According to the organization, the removal of Ozekhome and Ejiofor occurred at a critical juncture in Kanu’s legal battle.
It said said that the new set of lawyers did not succeed in convincing the judge to grant bail to Kanu, given his health challenges, which signals a setback in his quest for justice.
“The removal of Ozekhome and Ejiofor comes amidst a critical juncture in Kanu’s legal battle, marked by the recent poor outing of the new set of lawyers who could not succeed in convincing the judge to grant their client a bail in view if his health challenges”, the rights body said.
The organisation commended Ozekhome and Ejiofor for their vibrant legal representation, saying that their expertise and unwavering commitment to justice have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of Kanu’s case.
It listed Ozekhome’s legal acumen, which it said, led to the dismissal of numerous charges against Kanu.
The rights body also acknowledged Ejiofor’s steadfast advocacy and unwavering commitment to his client’s cause, despite facing personal risks, including alleged assassination attempts and tragic losses.
“Ozekhome’s legal acumen has been evident in his adept handling of Kanu’s defense, leading to the dismissal of numerous charges against the IPOB leader.
”His strategic brilliance and dedication to upholding the principles of justice have earned him widespread acclaim within legal circles.
“Similarly, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s contributions to Kanu’s legal defense cannot be overstated. Ejiofor’s steadfast advocacy and unwavering commitment to his client’s cause have been evident throughout his tenure as Kanu’s lead counsel.
“Despite facing immense personal risks, including reported assassination attempts and the tragic loss of his close aides during armed invasions of his residence in Oraifite, Ejiofor has remained resolute in his pursuit of justice for Kanu and IPOB.”
HURIWA added, “Since joining Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team in December 2015, and eventually took on the role of Nnamdi Kanu’s lead Counsel and also as the IPOB General/Lead Counsel in January, 2016, Ifeanyi Ejiofor has diligently performed his professional duties in defending Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB while upholding ethical standards.
“Despite achieving significant and unprecedented victories in securing the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other comrades in 2017 and 2018 respectively, he has also worked tirelessly to secure the release of numerous IPOB members from detention facilities; both at the federal and state levels, possibly numbering in their thousands.
“These efforts have not gone without consequent repercussions, as both state and non-state actors have allegedly attempted to eliminate him through various inordinate means, part of which was the invasion of his ancestral home in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State, by Nigerian Security agents.
“During this operation, many civilians were reportedly murdered in their prime and over 30 houses were burnt, all in a bid to eliminate him at all costs and by any means, perhaps, for being Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Attorney and IPOB Lead counsel.
“According to media reports, from 2015 to 2021, Ejiofor narrowly survived five consecutive violent assassination attempts purportedly orchestrated by individuals specifically tasked with eliminating him at any cost. These attempts were not due to any wrongdoing on his part, but has been linked solely because of his defense of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
