…IPOB has clearly and officially dissociated itself from the purported sit-at-home order
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) lawyer and lead counsel to Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on residents of the South-East to disregard what he described as a “fraudulent” sit-at-home directive allegedly planned for Monday, February 2, 2026, by a splinter group.
It will be recalled that a pro-Biafran group, through its spokesperson Emma Powerful, announced a sit-at-home across the region on February 2 in solidarity with traders at the Onitsha Main Market.
According to Powerful, the proposed shutdown of activities in Biafra land was intended as a peaceful and unified protest against the decision of the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to shut the Onitsha Main Market for one week.
However, in a counter statement issued on Saturday, Ejiofor dismissed the directive, alleging that the source behind the announcement, operating under the name “Emma Powerful,” has been compromised and is acting contrary to the interests of Ndi-Igbo.
He maintained that IPOB has clearly and officially dissociated itself from the purported sit-at-home order and has advised residents to continue with their legitimate daily activities without fear.
Part of the statement read: “Once again, the familiar spectacle of misinformation has resurfaced, this time with a tired narrative and an all-too-predictable cast.
“Late yesterday, reports circulated widely claiming that a total lockdown of Ala-Igbo had been ordered through a sit-at-home directive allegedly issued by ‘Emma Powerful,’ scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026.
“Let it be clearly and unequivocally stated: this directive is false, a fabrication and a deliberate attempt to mislead.
“Following thorough inquiry and careful verification, especially in light of the fragile calm gradually returning to our homeland, it became evident that the platform known as ‘Emma Powerful’ has been severely compromised.
“It has been taken over by elements whose operations thrive on fear, disruption, extortion, and the exploitation of vulnerable communities.
“The peaceful global movement of IPOB has firmly disowned this concocted publication, distancing itself entirely from the false sit-at-home order and urging Ndi-Igbo to go about their normal and lawful activities without fear.
“Henceforth, any statement attributed to ‘Emma Powerful’ should be viewed with extreme caution, if not outright disregard.
“It is deeply troubling that at a time when relative peace is cautiously returning to Ala-Igbo, anyone would recklessly spread information capable of reigniting tensions and opening the door to criminal infiltration.
“Past experiences have shown, at great cost, the dangers of fake directives falling into the hands of violent opportunists posing as enforcers.”
“It is no longer enough to simply urge our people to ‘ignore’ statements originating from this source. What is required now is unmistakable clarity and resolve. The platform operating under the name ‘Emma Powerful,’ in its presently compromised state, has clearly positioned itself in opposition to the peace, progress, and collective welfare of Ala-Igbo.”
Ejiofor stated that the peaceful global movement of IPOB must take an additional step by openly and decisively outlining why the source has become untrustworthy, infiltrated, and antagonistic to the common interest of Ndi-Igbo. He warned that silence, vague responses, or cautious disengagement only create space for continued misuse and manipulation.
The statement concluded: “A masquerade that chooses to dance with fire must never be confused with a bearer of truth.”
