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Written by Oscar Okifo
The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Monday announced a complete and permanent suspension of home quarantine across the South-East, saying the directive came directly from its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Sunday by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerfull, who said the order will come into effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.
The group said the stay-at-home order declared in August 2021 to protest Kanu’s extradition to Nigeria and subsequent imprisonment has now been revoked and should no longer be forced on anyone.
According to IPOB, Kanu directed that normal economic and social activities should resume across the Southeast, stressing that markets, schools, banks, offices and transport services should be fully operational on Monday.
Part of the statement read:
“IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, would like to announce to the entire world that the Monday Stay-At-Home Order across the South East will be officially and permanently suspended from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026.
“This directive comes directly from Onyedu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who is once again risking everything to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our citizens can lawfully go about their business without fear, intimidation or sexual assault.
“Anyone in doubt should visit the Sokoto Correctional Center for verification. We can no longer remain defiant and submissive under the cover of ‘Onyedoo cannot be confirmed.’ Working from home on Mondays is over. Those days are over!”
“There is no longer any need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Monday. All markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from tomorrow. This is a clear and unequivocal order of the IPOB Supreme Leader.”
The group said Kanu also warned against any attempt to continue the stay-at-home order.
“Mr. Kanu has made it abundantly clear that from this moment onwards, any individual or group who seeks to force people to work from home is acting against his direct orders. Such persons are enemies of our people and the Biafra cause. They will be pursued to the ends of the earth and will be confronted until they are completely defeated.”
IPOB accused some individuals of trying to instill fear in the region through staged attacks and intimidation.
“Please know that any individual or group identified as forcing or enabling telecommuting will be confronted wherever they are located. Our people must remain vigilant, calm, and law-abiding.”
The banned group also warned state governments in the southeast not to threaten traders or shut down markets.
“At the same time, IPOB wants to make it clear that no state governor has the right to threaten, destroy or force the closure of the businesses of traders who, out of conscience, choose to stay home in solidarity with our country’s leaders.
“Any attempts by Governor Sordo or any other governor to intimidate the people with threats of destruction or forced market closures will be firmly resisted.”
Regarding market redevelopment projects, IPOB said due process must be followed.
“Rehabilitation, reconstruction, and improvement of markets that involve temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all stakeholders, and appropriate temporary trading locations must be provided before such projects begin.”
The group called for unity and urged residents to reject fear and division.
“Our enemies have succeeded in the past in stirring up crises and sowing discord among our people. We must not let them succeed again. We are one people united by a common destiny. Our struggle is for freedom, dignity and justice for all people, not just Biafrans.”
“We therefore call on all citizens of the South East to go out tomorrow without fear, open your shops, go to work and send your children to school.
“Gone are the days when Mondays were spent sitting at home.”
