The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced that its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has directed the complete and permanent suspension of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, beginning from February 9, 2026.
The development was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, who said the instruction came directly from Kanu.
The sit-at-home, first declared in August 2021, was introduced to protest Kanu’s extradition to Nigeria and his continued detention, with commercial and social activities routinely shut down on Mondays across the region.
According to Powerful, the new directive removes every justification for observing sit-at-home, stressing that normal life must now resume fully.
“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,” the statement said.
He explained that the decision was driven by Kanu’s concern for education, livelihoods and economic survival in the region.
“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,” Powerful added.
The group insisted there should be no further excuses, saying all markets, offices, schools and transport services must operate normally from Monday.
“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,” the statement read.
IPOB also warned that anyone attempting to enforce sit-at-home in defiance of Kanu’s directive would be treated as an enemy of the people.
“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. Such persons are enemies of our people and the Biafran cause,” the group said.
It further alleged that some elements were using intimidation and violence to create fear under false pretences, urging residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.
“Let it be known that any person or group identified as enforcing or enabling sit-at-home will be confronted wherever they are,” the statement warned.
While urging citizens to resume normal activities, IPOB also cautioned state governments against coercing traders who may choose, on personal grounds, not to open their shops.
“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,” it said.
The group added that any market redevelopment requiring temporary relocation must involve the consent of traders and the provision of alternative trading spaces.
Calling for unity, IPOB urged residents of the South-East to return to their routines without fear.
“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.
