Ignore February 2 Sit-at-home Order, IPOB Lawyer Urges S-east Residents

A human rights lawyer and lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has urged residents of the South-East geopolitical zone to completely ignore a purported sit-at-home order scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, describing it as “fraudulent” and a product of misinformation.

The call comes amid growing confusion over conflicting statements from factions within the pro-Biafran group, following an initial directive allegedly issued by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, calling for a total shutdown across the region in solidarity with traders at the Onitsha Main Market. Powerful had claimed the sit-at-home was a peaceful response to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s decision to close the market for one week, citing issues related to market management and compliance.

However, in a strongly worded counter-statement released on Saturday, Ejiofor dismissed the directive as fake, insisting that the “Emma Powerful” platform has been compromised by vested interests aiming to sow fear, disruption, and extortion among the Igbo people. He emphasized that the authentic IPOB leadership has distanced itself from the order and advised Ndi-Igbo to carry on with their daily activities without any apprehension.

“Once again, the well-worn theatre of misinformation has opened its curtains, this time with a particularly lazy script and an insultingly predictable cast,” Ejiofor’s statement read in part. “Late yesterday, a report was widely circulated alleging that a total lockdown of Ala-Igbo had been ordered under the guise of a sit-at-home directive purportedly issued by ‘Emma Powerful,’ slated for Monday, February 2, 2026.

“Let it be stated clearly, unequivocally, and without ambiguity: this directive is fake, a phantom, a calculated falsehood. Upon careful inquiry and diligent verification, especially considering the delicate and hard-won calm presently returning to our homeland, it became glaringly obvious that the so-called ‘Emma Powerful’ platform has been fatally compromised.

“It has been hijacked by vested interests whose business model thrives on fear, disruption, extortion, and the cynical exploitation of vulnerable communities. The peaceful global movement of the IPOB has formally and decisively disowned this fabricated publication, categorically distancing itself from the false sit-at-home order and directing Ndi-Igbo to go about their lawful and normal activities without fear.”

Ejiofor further warned that future publications attributed to “Emma Powerful” should be treated with suspicion or outright contempt, adding that silence or ambiguity on the matter only allows for further abuse. “A masquerade that dances with fire should not be mistaken for a messenger of truth,” he concluded.

The controversy has highlighted apparent internal rifts within IPOB. In a swift rebuttal, a statement purportedly from Emma Powerful fired back, labeling Ejiofor a “sacked lawyer” who cannot speak for the group and insisting that the sit-at-home directive stands. This counter-claim was echoed in some reports suggesting that IPOB rejects Ejiofor’s advice and maintains the February 2 shutdown.

Adding to the discourse, the Directorate of State (DOS) of IPOB issued an official clarification, announcing the shutdown of the “Emma Powerful” pseudonym entirely due to its abuse, misuse, and compromise. The DOS stated that no sit-at-home was authorized for February 2 and that all future official communications must be on IPOB’s letterheaded paper. “IPOB ceases to use this name henceforth in releasing its press statements. Any release using ‘Emma Powerful’ does NOT represent IPOB leadership or the DOS,” the statement read.

Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been abuzz with the issue, with users urging residents to disregard the order to avoid reopening old wounds and inviting criminal elements. One post from a pro-IPOB account emphasized: “Let me reiterate that IPOB did not order any sit-at-home on Monday, 2nd February 2026. The so-called press release is fake and compromised.”

This development unfolds against the backdrop of fragile peace returning to the South-East, where past sit-at-home orders have led to economic disruptions, violence, and loss of lives. Governor Soludo’s recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market was intended to enforce market rules, but it has sparked tensions among traders.

Security experts and community leaders have called for calm, advising residents to verify information from credible sources before acting. The Nigerian Army has also urged the public to disregard such orders, warning against elements exploiting the situation for criminal activities.

As the region braces for Monday, stakeholders emphasize the need for unity and progress, urging Ndi-Igbo to prioritize peace over division.