IPOB cancels Monday sit-at-home across South-East from Feb 9, saying Nnamdi Kanu ordered full resumption of schools, markets and offices

The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra has announced the immediate cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, saying the directive came directly from its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Also read: Sit-at-home: IPOB confronts Soludo amid heavy military market lockdown

The disclosure was made on Sunday in a statement by the IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, who said the order takes effect from Monday, 9 February 2026.

Emma Powerful said the decision ends a protest measure first declared in August 2021 following Nnamdi Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and subsequent incarceration, during which markets, schools, banks and offices routinely shut on Mondays.

Emma Powerful stated that there is now no justification for residents to remain indoors on Mondays and urged the full resumption of markets, schools, offices, transport services and other economic activities.

Emma Powerful quoted Nnamdi Kanu as directing that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this point would be acting contrary to his instruction.

The statement also warned against attempts to create fear or intimidate residents into compliance under false pretences, urging people to remain calm and law abiding.

Emma Powerful added that state governments should not threaten or penalise traders who, out of personal conviction, choose to stay at home, and cautioned against forced market closures without stakeholder engagement.

IPOB maintained that any market renovation or reconstruction requiring temporary relocation must be carried out with the consent of traders and with alternative arrangements provided.