diff --git a/sequencer.c b/sequencer.c
index 6e9aabaac1..e454264fbc 100644
--- a/sequencer.c
+++ b/sequencer.c
@@ -249,11 +249,20 @@ static int has_conforming_footer(struct strbuf *sb, struct strbuf *sob,
 	struct trailer_info info;
 	size_t i;
 	int found_sob = 0, found_sob_last = 0;
+	char saved_char;
 
 	opts.no_divider = 1;
 
+	if (ignore_footer) {
+		saved_char = sb->buf[sb->len - ignore_footer];
+		sb->buf[sb->len - ignore_footer] = '\0';
+	}
+
 	trailer_info_get(&info, sb->buf, &opts);
 
+	if (ignore_footer)
+		sb->buf[sb->len - ignore_footer] = saved_char;
+
 	if (info.trailer_start == info.trailer_end)
 		return 0;