IPOB announces end to Monday shutdowns in South-East, cites directive from Nnamdi Kanu

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the full and permanent termination of the Monday sit-at-home observed across the South-East, saying the order was personally issued by its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and takes effect from February 9, 2026.

The declaration was made on Sunday in a statement signed by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, who said the decision came directly from Kanu and leaves no room for ambiguity or delay.

IPOB had first imposed the weekly shutdown in August 2021 to protest Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and his continued detention. Since then, Mondays in many parts of the South-East have been marked by the closure of markets, schools, banks and offices.

Announcing the new directive, Powerful said the leadership of the group now expects a complete return to normal life every Monday, stressing that all forms of economic, educational and commercial activities must resume without interruption.

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!

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“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.”

According to the group, Kanu has also warned against any attempt to continue enforcing the sit-at-home under any guise, insisting that such actions would amount to open defiance of his authority.

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.”

IPOB further alleged that some actors were trying to sustain the shutdown through intimidation and violence carried out under false pretences, and urged residents to remain vigilant while continuing with their lawful activities.

“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 also addressed ongoing and proposed market redevelopment projects, insisting that such initiatives must be handled transparently and with the agreement of traders involved.

According to IPOB, any renovation, reconstruction or upgrading of markets that requires temporary relocation should only proceed after stakeholders’ consent, and with alternative trading locations made available 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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