BREAKING: IPOB Shuts Down "Emma Powerful" Pseudonym, Declares February 2 Sit-At-Home Illegal

IPOB Shuts Down "Emma Powerful" Pseudonym, Declares February 2 Sit-At-Home Illegal Biafraland, January 31, 2026 – The Directorate ...

IPOB Shuts Down "Emma Powerful" Pseudonym, Declares February 2 Sit-At-Home Illegal

Biafraland, January 31, 2026 – The Directorate of State (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a non-violent self-determination movement, has issued a formal press statement declaring that it will no longer use the pseudonym "Emma Powerful" for official communications. The statement explicitly denies authorizing any lockdown or sit-at-home order in Biafraland on Monday, February 2, 2026.

The announcement comes amid recent reports of a purported sit-at-home directive attributed to "Emma Powerful," which called for a region-wide shutdown in solidarity with traders affected by closures at Onitsha Main Market. However, the DOS has clarified that such directives are unauthorized and stem from misuse of the pseudonym.

In the official press statement dated January 31, 2026, the DOS emphasized the need for organizational integrity and adherence to best practices. Key excerpts include:

"Whereas the name Emma Powerful is an operational pseudonym used by the IPOB publicity secretary for the dissemination of IPOB's press releases;  

> Fully aware that any press statement brought out in the name of the Indigenous People of Biafra under this pseudonym places an enormous responsibility upon IPOB and its leadership;  

> Taking cognisance of the fact that the pseudonym Emma Powerful has been abused, misused and compromised;  

> Bearing in mind the evident danger the continued use of the pseudonym will be to IPOB as a movement and for the Biafran people's Self-Determination struggle;  

> Having observed the subtle moves by certain groups and individuals using the pseudonym Emma Powerful as a vehicle to disrupt the pervading peace and security being enjoyed by both Biafrans and visitors in Biafraland;"

The DOS resolved several measures to address these concerns:

1. All future press statements representing IPOB's position must be released on the group's official letterheaded paper.

2. IPOB ceases to use the name "Emma Powerful" henceforth for releasing press statements.

3. Any press statement released with the pseudonym "Emma Powerful" neither emanates from IPOB leadership nor represents the position of the IPOB Directorate of State (DOS).

4. The DOS "unequivocally state that it did not authorize anyone whatsoever to issue a lock down/sit at home order of Biafraland on Monday 2nd of February 2026."

The statement was signed by Mazi Chukwukadibia Edoziem, Head of the Directorate of State (DOS) for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This development highlights internal efforts by IPOB's DOS to safeguard the movement's non-violent principles and prevent disruptions attributed to impersonation or compromise. It follows reports of confusion over recent directives, with some sources indicating the "Emma Powerful" platform may have been hijacked or exploited by external interests seeking to sow discord.

IPOB, led by the detained Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has long positioned itself as a peaceful advocate for Biafran self-determination through referendum and dialogue. The group maintains liaison offices in Germany, Spain, South Africa, and Italy, and continues to urge supporters to prioritize peace amid ongoing regional tensions.

Residents in the Southeast are advised to disregard unauthorized calls for lockdowns and continue normal activities, as per the DOS clarification.