Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor
Renowned human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has raised a grave alarm over what he describes as credible and escalating threats to his life and that of his family members.
In a strongly worded statement titled “Desperate and Sinister Plot to Invade My Home and Attack My Family,” issued on Friday, Ejiofor placed the Nigerian public and all relevant security agencies on red alert, warning that sustained pressure for the withdrawal of security personnel from his residence was driven by a clearly sinister agenda.
According to him, any attack on his home during the ongoing festive period is likely to be deliberately misrepresented to the public as the work of hoodlums or so-called “unknown gunmen,” despite being the result of a premeditated plot.
“As I write this statement, let it be clearly recorded that my residence is now more vulnerable than ever,” . “If any harm befalls me or any member of my household, certain individuals must be held accountable.”Ejiofor stated.
He specifically named Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme, Mr. Vincent Dike, and Mr. Ugochukwu Nnajiofor (popularly known as Man Pass Man) as persons who should be held responsible should anything untoward occur.
Ejiofor further disclosed that he has already furnished relevant security authorities with the identity of what he described as the unnamed principal — the “Oga” allegedly orchestrating the entire plot.
“Should anything happen to me, he shall be the first required to render explanations to the world,” he warned.
The lawyer explained that he had earlier raised a public alarm after receiving what he described as manifest and credible threats to his life and the safety of his family.
That alarm, he said, triggered widespread concern and messages of support from Nigerians across different sectors of society. Regrettably, rather than abating, the threats intensified.
“It is common knowledge that I am currently at my ancestral home in Oraifite, Anambra State, with my family for the Christmas and New Year festivities,” Ejiofor said.
Given the prevailing security challenges in the state and the persistent threats against him, Ejiofor stated that he formally contacted a top-ranking commander of the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG), popularly known as Udo ga Achi, and requested lawful security coverage for his residence.
He said following this request, duly constituted AVG personnel were officially deployed to his home.
According to him,they arrived on Tuesday in an official operational vehicle, visibly armed in line with their mandate and carrying valid identification.
Ejiofor emphasised that the deployment was lawful, transparent, and procedurally sound.
“As those familiar with my lifestyle can attest, I do not habitually move with security escorts, nor do I ordinarily request protective details during personal or social engagements, especially during festive periods, except when it becomes absolutely necessary,” he noted.
However, he alleged that the presence of the AVG operatives unsettled certain individuals whose plans were allegedly thwarted by the visible security.
“Within forty-eight hours of their deployment,” Ejiofor explained, “the Commander who assigned them received a series of calls from Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme.”
He said the conversation later expanded to include the State Commander of the AVG, Mr. Vincent Dike—who also serves as President-General of the Oraifite Improvement Union and Mr. Ugochukwu Nnajiofor.
According to Ejiofor, the recorded discussion involved aggressive questioning as to why security personnel were deployed to his residence.
According to Ejiofor,the AVG Commander was allegedly ordered to withdraw the personnel immediately, with threats that Mr. Nnajiofor’s group would invade the residence and forcibly disarm them if the order was not obeyed.
“All appeals for the security personnel to remain until the end of the festive period were reportedly rejected” he added.
Ejiofor said it was repeatedly asserted that an unnamed “Oga” in Oraifite had issued a directive for their total withdrawal.
Upon learning of this development, Ejiofor said he promptly alerted the public to the threats against his life and to prevent a possible confrontation between AVG personnel and their superiors, he reluctantly advised that the operatives be withdrawn.
The personnel were withdrawn the following day, leaving his household “significantly more exposed and vulnerable.”
He said the events later took a more alarming turn.
Ejiofor disclosed that after he published a social media alert warning of threats to his life, credible intelligence reached him that Mr. Ofodeme was mobilising the police to raid his residence under the cover of darkness.
He alleged that false and malicious reports were made to the police, claiming that the AVG personnel earlier stationed at his home were impostors armed with AK-47 rifles and terrorising the neighbourhood.
Ejiofor commended the Anambra State Police Command, under the current Commissioner of Police, for refusing to act on misinformation.
According to him,a fact-finding visit to his residence revealed that the premises were peaceful and that all AVG personnel had already been withdrawn.
“Police officers reportedly expressed shock upon discovering that those urging them to storm the residence were fully aware that the vigilante operatives were legitimate, had personally communicated with the deploying commander, and knew the personnel had already left — facts deliberately concealed from the police.
Despite this, the individuals allegedly persisted in urging a police raid based on false pretences.
“I thank God that the officer who visited my home, unannounced, saw through these lies with professional clarity,” Ejiofor said
The IPOB lawyer reiterated his warning to the public and security agencies that the agitation for the withdrawal of security from his residence was not accidental but driven by a clear and dangerous motive.
He expressed gratitude to Nigerians who have reached out with prayers and words of encouragement.
“May God continue to protect us all.” he said.
