The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced that its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has directed the complete cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, effective from February 9, 2026.
The development was made known by the IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, in a statement issued on Sunday.
Powerful explained that the order was given directly by Kanu.
The group had earlier introduced the sit-at-home in August 2021 to protest Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and his detention. During the exercise, markets, schools, banks and offices were shut.
According to Powerful, the new directive removes any reason for residents to remain indoors on Mondays, stressing that markets, schools, offices, transport services and other economic activities should resume fully from Monday.
The statement read in part, “The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, hereby announces to the entire world that the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026.
“This directive comes directly from Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people go about their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation or molestation.
“Any person in doubt should visit Sokoto Correctional Centre to confirm with him. We can no longer hide under ‘Onyendu cannot be reached to confirm’ to persist with our recalcitrance or docility. Monday sit-at-home is over. That era is gone!
“There is now no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays. All markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from tomorrow. This is the clear and unequivocal order of the Supreme Leader of IPOB.”
The statement added that Kanu had warned that anyone attempting to enforce sit-at-home from now on would be acting against his instructions and against the Biafran cause.
“Kanu, the statement said, ‘has made it abundantly clear that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct command. Such persons are enemies of our people and the Biafran cause. They will be pursued to the ends of the earth and confronted until they are completely defeated.’”
The group also alleged that some individuals were trying to create fear, carry out attacks or intimidate residents into staying indoors under false pretences.
“Let it be known that any person or group identified as enforcing or enabling sit-at-home will be confronted wherever they are. Our people must remain vigilant, calm and law-abiding.
“At the same time, IPOB wishes to make it clear that no state governor has the right to threaten, demolish or forcibly shut down the businesses of traders who, out of conscience, choose to sit at home in solidarity with our leader.
“Any attempt by Governor Soludo or any other governor to intimidate our people with demolition threats or forced market closures will be firmly resisted,” the statement added.
The group further stated that any market renovation, reconstruction or upgrade involving temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all stakeholders, with adequate temporary trading sites provided beforehand.
“Our enemies have in the past succeeded in instigating crises and planting seeds of discord among our people. We must not allow them to succeed again. We are one people, united by a common destiny. Our struggle is for freedom, dignity and justice for all, not just for Biafrans.
“We therefore call on all our people across the South-East to come out tomorrow, open their shops, go to work and send their children to school without fear.
“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over,” the statement concluded.
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