IPOB rejects viral video claiming end to Monday sit-at-home

A group clad in Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) insignia and flying the organisation’s flags has announced the cancellation of the long-running Monday sit-at-home directive across the South-East, directing residents to resume normal activities.

The group made the declaration in a video that went viral on Sunday, urging markets, schools, businesses and public offices to reopen from Monday, February 9, 2026, without fear of intimidation.

In the video, the group claimed the decision followed a direct instruction from IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, suspending the weekly protest action.

It appealed to residents to return to their daily routines, saying the move was aimed at restoring economic, educational and social activities across the region.

“This decision is meant to restore normal life in the region. Traders should open their shops, students should return to school and workers should go back to their duty posts without fear,” the group said.

The group, however, issued a warning to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, accusing him of interfering in the affairs of traders and marketers, and threatening consequences if their activities were disrupted.

But the Indigenous People of Biafra has distanced itself from the group and its claims.

IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, denied any knowledge of those behind the video, describing them as criminal elements allegedly recruited by Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa to cause instability in the region.

“We don’t know them. IPOB does not have such people. They are criminals recruited by infiltrator Simon Ekpa,” Powerful said.

He stressed that the group had no affiliation with individuals or organisations involved in violence, kidnappings or destruction of property in the South-East.

“IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) are not connected to the criminals causing chaos in our land. Anyone operating under IPOB’s name to commit crimes will not be accepted,” he added.