IPOB's Lead Counsel Dismisses February 2 Sit-at-Home Order as Fraudulent
The lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has categorically dismissed a purported sit-at-home order scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, describing it as fake and fraudulent. In a significant announcement directed at the Igbo community, Ejiofor urged residents across Nigeria's South-East region to completely disregard the directive that has been circulating widely on social media platforms.
Social Media Directive Sparks Regional Confusion
The disputed statement, which claimed to originate from IPOB's Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful, declared a "Biafra-wide solidarity lockdown" on February 2 in support of Onitsha traders and demanding the immediate release of detained IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The publication called for a complete shutdown of economic activities across Igboland and other Biafran territories, creating confusion among residents and business owners throughout the region.
This alleged directive appeared to directly contradict recent efforts by Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who has been encouraging traders to resume normal business activities on Mondays following previous disruptions caused by sit-at-home orders. The conflicting messages created uncertainty about security and economic activities in the affected areas.
Official Investigation Reveals Platform Compromise
In his detailed statement issued on Saturday, Ejiofor revealed that thorough investigations had uncovered that the platform associated with the name "Emma Powerful" had been seriously compromised and was no longer under legitimate IPOB control. The human rights lawyer described the situation as particularly concerning given the platform's previous association with the organization.
"Upon careful inquiry and diligent verification, it became glaringly obvious that the so-called 'Emma Powerful' platform has been fatally compromised," Ejiofor stated. "It has been hijacked by vested interests whose business model thrives on fear, disruption, extortion, and the cynical exploitation of vulnerable communities."
IPOB Formally Distances Itself from Publication
Ejiofor emphasized that IPOB has officially disowned the fraudulent publication and categorically distanced itself from the false sit-at-home order. He provided clear instructions to residents, stating that the peaceful global movement of IPOB directs Ndi-Igbo to continue with their lawful daily activities without fear or hesitation.
The lawyer issued a stern warning regarding future communications, stating: "Going forward, the message from IPOB is unmistakable: any publication attributed to 'Emma Powerful' should be treated with extreme suspicion, if not outright contempt." This represents a significant shift in how the organization's communications should be verified by the public.
Concerns About Misinformation and Criminal Exploitation
Ejiofor expressed deep concern about the potential consequences of such false directives circulating in the volatile South-East region. He warned that fabricated orders could reopen old wounds and provide opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the situation for personal gain or to create instability.
"History has taught us, at unbearable cost, what happens when fake directives fall into the hands of violent opportunists masquerading as enforcers," he cautioned. The lawyer concluded that the compromised platform had positioned itself as "an adversary to Ala-Igbo's peace, progress, and collective well-being."
Broader Context of Sit-at-Home Challenges
The announcement comes amid ongoing challenges related to sit-at-home orders in Nigeria's South-East region. Previously, public affairs analyst Donald Okwuosa had advised Governor Soludo to focus on tackling underlying insecurity issues in Anambra State rather than implementing market closures as a response to defiance of such directives.
This development highlights the complex dynamics surrounding communication, security, and economic stability in the region, with legitimate authorities working to counter misinformation that could disrupt daily life and economic activities for millions of residents.
