The Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra has announced that the pseudonym “Emma Powerful” will no longer be used, stating that all future IPOB press releases must come only on the group’s official letterheaded paper.
The update came through a Saturday statement signed by Mazi Chukwukadibia Edoziem, Head of the Directorate of State. The DOS said the name “Emma Powerful”, previously adopted by the Publicity Secretary for official announcements, has been “abused, misused, and compromised”, creating significant operational risks.
The statement added that IPOB finds it necessary to clarify this issue in order to maintain global standards and safeguard the integrity of its communication procedures. It reiterated that “Emma Powerful” was originally a working pseudonym, that any declaration issued in the name of the Indigenous People of Biafra carries major responsibility, and that the compromised identity now endangers both the movement and the wider self determination effort.
The DOS further noted that some actors have subtly exploited the pseudonym to undermine the peace and security currently enjoyed in Biafraland.
Based on these concerns, the Directorate resolved that all official positions of IPOB must now be released only on the organisation’s letterheaded document. It also confirmed that the name “Emma Powerful” will no longer be used in any IPOB communication.
It stressed that any future statement attributed to “Emma Powerful” does not originate from IPOB leadership and should not be regarded as the view of the Directorate of State. The DOS also clarified that it has not authorised any individual or group to declare a lockdown or sit at home directive for Monday, 2 February 2026.
