The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the total and permanent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, with immediate effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.
IPOB made the announcement in a press statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, saying the directive came directly from its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to the group, “The Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026.”
IPOB said Kanu took the decision to allow normal life to return to the region, stressing that the order was aimed at ensuring that schools reopen fully and residents resume their lawful businesses without fear or intimidation.
“He 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,” the statement said.
The group described the directive as final, insisting that there was no longer any justification for staying at home on Mondays. It directed that markets, schools, offices, transport services and all economic activities must resume fully across the South-East.
IPOB warned that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home going forward would be acting against Kanu’s direct command, describing such persons as enemies of the Biafran cause.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has made it abundantly clear that anyone enforcing sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his express order,” the group said, adding that such actions would be resisted.
The group also alleged that some “enemies of Biafra” could attempt false-flag operations to instil fear and discourage people from resuming normal activities, urging residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.
However, IPOB cautioned state governments against punishing traders who may still choose to stay at home out of personal conviction. It warned governors, including Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, against intimidation, demolition threats or forced market closures, saying such actions would be resisted.
On market redevelopment, the group said any renovation or reconstruction project must involve the consent of all stakeholders, with adequate temporary trading spaces provided before commencement.
Calling for unity, IPOB urged residents of the South-East to ignore attempts to sow discord and resume normal activities.
“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 added.
Earlier on Saturday, a viral video featuring IPOB members led by Igwe Butuzo and Gentle De Yahoo also announced the cancellation of the sit-at-home, claiming it followed an order from Nnamdi Kanu.
Reacting, Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, said the IPOB leader had since July 2024 called for the discontinuation of the Monday sit-at-home.
Ejimakor told Nigerian Newssphere that Kanu had consistently opposed any attempt to enforce the civil disobedience in his name, noting that the position had never changed.
Nigerian Newssphere reports that the development comes amid recent tensions in Anambra State, where the Onitsha Main Market was temporarily shut over compliance with the sit-at-home before being reopened after traders agreed to abandon the action.
Nnamdi Kanu is currently serving a life sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Centre following his conviction on terrorism-related charges in November 2025.
