IPOB Announces Cancellation of Monday Sit-at-Home in South-East

The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the total cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, with effect from 9 February 2026.

The announcement was made by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, in a press statement issued on Sunday. According to him, the directive was given directly by the group’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB had introduced the weekly sit-at-home in August 2021 as a form of protest against Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and his continued detention. Since then, the exercise had led to the closure of markets, schools, banks, offices and other economic activities across the region on Mondays.

However, the group said the new directive brings the sit-at-home to a permanent end. IPOB stated that there is no longer any reason for residents of the South-East to remain indoors on Mondays, adding that full economic and social activities should resume immediately.

According to the statement, Kanu ordered the cancellation to ensure that children return to school and that people carry out their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation or harassment. IPOB also dismissed claims that Kanu could not be reached to confirm the decision, insisting that the order came directly from him.

The group warned that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home going forward would be acting against Kanu’s instructions and the interests of the people. IPOB described such actions as hostile to the Biafran cause and vowed to confront anyone attempting to impose sit-at-home through intimidation or violence.

IPOB further alleged that some individuals are deliberately creating fear and staging attacks to force residents to stay indoors under false pretences. The group urged people in the region to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.

At the same time, IPOB cautioned state governments against threatening or shutting down businesses of traders who may choose to stay at home out of personal conviction. The group warned that any attempt by Governor Chukwuma Soludo or other governors to intimidate traders through demolition threats or forced market closures would be resisted.

IPOB added that any market renovation or reconstruction project requiring temporary relocation of traders must be done with the consent of all stakeholders, and that adequate alternative trading spaces must be provided before such projects begin.

The group called on residents of the South-East to open their shops, go to work and send their children to school without fear, stressing that the era of Monday sit-at-home has come to an end.