By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Thursday said that the sum of $100,000 was paid to Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, as legal fees for representing its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in his trial by the Nigerian government.

Ozekhome and Ejiofor were Kanu’s lawyers before the IPOB leader eventually opted to represent himself in court.

Madam Nnennaya Anya, Head, IPOB Finance Directorate, made the disclosure in a statement “issued on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra”.

IPOB said the statement titled ‘Public Clarification on Payment to Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, & Ifeanyi Ejiofor’, was issued in the interest of transparency and accountability, and to dispel any misinformation or speculation surrounding the matter.

The statement reads: "I, Madam Nnennaya Anya, in my capacity as Head of the IPOB Finance Directorate, wish to place on record and clarify for the avoidance of doubt that, acting strictly on the direct instructions of our Supreme Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (Onyendu), I facilitated the transfer of a total sum of One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars ($100,000.00 USD) to accounts designated by Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN.

“The payment was made in two installments as follows: First installment: Eighty Thousand United States Dollars ($80,000.00 USD)

Second installment: Twenty Thousand United States Dollars ($20,000.00 USD)

“This transaction was duly authorized and executed solely for purposes related to the legal representation and defense of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in line with IPOB’s commitment to securing justice for our leader.

“All necessary records and documentation of this transfer are available within the Directorate for verification by relevant IPOB structures where required.

“This statement is issued in the interest of transparency, accountability, and to dispel any misinformation or speculation surrounding the matter.

“May Chukwu Okike Abiama continue to guide and protect our struggle for justice and self-determination.”

News Express that Kanu has filed an appeal to challenge his conviction on terrorism charges by an Abuja Federal High Court. He is currently serving a life prison term at the Sokoto Prison.