The life of Sir Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor is one marked by selflessness, determination, sacrifice, and an uncompromising commitment to justice. His remarkable Voyage as a legal advocate has seen him take on some of the most challenging cases in Nigeria, particularly in defense of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. However, this path has not come without grave risks, as he has survived multiple assassination attempts due to his unflagging stance in the pursuit of justice.
On January 24, 2025, Sir Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor celebrated his 50th birthday in a way that reflected his deep commitment to humanity. Instead of a lavish personal celebration, he chose to mark the occasion with displaced persons at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Kuchingoro, near Games Village Estate, Abuja. His compassion and dedication to the less privileged punctuate his character—one defined by selflessness and service.
Following this, on Saturday, a Special Golden Jubilee Celebration was hosted by his close friends at Pinnacle Castle Hotel, Asaba. It was an evening of recognition, where those who have witnessed his journey came together to celebrate his life, brawniness, and his numerous contributions to justice and human rights advocacy.
During the celebration, Sir Ejiofor took a moment to reflect on the dangers he has faced in his career, revealing how he survived three assassination attempts while defending IPOB. His advocacy for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu came at a great personal cost.
His commitment to defending Kanu was not driven by financial gain. When Kanu sought legal representation, Ejiofor boldly stated that he would defend him pro bono, refusing any form of payment because he believed in Kanu’s sacrifice for the Igbo cause. It was a case that many senior lawyers declined out of fear, but Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor stepped forward without hesitation, fully aware of the dangers ahead.
In April 2017, he secured Kanu’s release from detention. However, by September 2017, state actors invaded Kanu’s home in an attempt to eliminate him, resulting in the deaths of many individuals before Kanu managed to escape. Following Kanu’s escape, Ejiofor became the next target.
December 2, 2019
Ejiofor recalled how he was attacked at his home in Oraifite at the instigation of an influential individual from his hometown. The assault was an orchestrated attempt to silence him permanently, but he narrowly survived.
Second Attempt: June 6, 2021. The second attack was even bloodier. Armed assailants stormed his residence, killing his assistant. The attackers took the assistant’s body away, sending a clear message of intimidation. However, despite the trauma, Ejiofor refused to back down from his mission.
Third Attempt: September 21-22, 2021
On the third attempt, his vehicle was riddled with bullets. It was another close brush with death, but by divine intervention, he survived yet again. “By His special grace, I am alive today, and I will forever remain grateful to the Almighty,” Ejiofor said.
As he steps into a new chapter of his life, his legacy remains evidence of the springiness of those who dare to stand up for truth, no matter the cost. His Golden Jubilee is not just a celebration of life but a recognition of a warrior of justice who has withstood the storm and emerged even stronger.
Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate.
 |
Comments