Nnamdi Kanu Orders End of Monday Sit-at-Home — IPOB Spokesperson

Schools, markets and businesses reopened across the South-East on Monday after the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) announced the permanent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home, effective February 9, 2026.

The announcement was made by the group’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, who said the directive came directly from IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The weekly sit-at-home began in August 2021 in protest against Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and incarceration, often shutting down schools, markets, banks and public offices across the region.

In Sunday’s statement, Powerful declared:

“The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Onyendu Mazi 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.”

He added: “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.”

The group warned that anyone attempting to enforce the sit-at-home would be acting against Kanu’s direct order.

“Kanu has made it abundantly clear that any person or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct command.”

IPOB also cautioned against what it described as “false-flag operations” designed to instill fear and disrupt 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 sit-at-home orders, enforced between 2021 and 2025, came at a heavy cost. According to an SBM Intelligence report, the directives were linked to at least 332 violent incidents and 776 deaths, with Imo and Anambra states recording the highest casualties.

The report also estimated economic losses at approximately ₦7.6 trillion, as repeated shutdowns crippled trade, transport and commercial activities.

Last week, Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, had already taken steps toward normalcy by ordering the reopening of the Onitsha Main Market, warning traders against compliance with the sit-at-home directive.

With IPOB’s latest announcement, a region that has endured years of disruption now begins a new chapter, one many hope will restore stability, safety and economic recovery.