IPOB Cancels Monday Sit-at-Home Across South-East

The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra has announced the immediate and permanent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home order across the South-East region.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group said the directive was given by its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and would take effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.

According to the statement, Kanu ordered that all markets, schools, banks, offices, transport services and other economic activities resume fully and operate normally henceforth.

“The Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026,” the statement read in part. “This directive comes directly from Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who has once again staked everything to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people go about their lawful businesses without fear.”

The sit-at-home protest was first declared in August 2021 following Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and subsequent detention. Since then, compliance every Monday has led to widespread closure of markets, schools, banks and public offices across the five South-East states, often crippling economic and social activities.

IPOB stated that there was now “no need, excuse or justification” for anyone to continue observing the order, stressing that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home henceforth would be acting contrary to Kanu’s instructions.

“Kanu 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,” the group said, warning that such persons would be regarded as enemies of its cause.

The group also alleged that some elements might attempt to create fear or stage attacks to intimidate residents into staying indoors under false pretences. It urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.

IPOB further cautioned state governments against what it described as intimidation of traders who may choose, out of personal conviction, to stay at home in solidarity with its leader. The group specifically warned against threats of market demolitions or forced closures.

It added that any renovation, reconstruction or relocation of markets must be done with the consent of stakeholders and that alternative trading sites should be provided before such projects commence.

Reaffirming its position, IPOB called on residents of the South-East to resume their normal activities without fear.

“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over,” the statement maintained.