IPOB Denies Monday Sit-at-Home Return, Challenges Police to Produce Evidence

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied plans to resume enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home order across Nigeria’s South-East, describing reports of a planned return as false and challenging the police to provide evidence to support the allegations.

The group’s spokesperson and Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, made the clarification in a statement issued on Monday, October 12, 2026, following reports of a purported police intelligence document alleging that IPOB and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), planned to resume enforcing the order from that date.

Powerful rejected the allegations contained in the purported intelligence report, which was reportedly dated October 9 and attributed to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department.

He described the document as fabricated and accused the Nigeria Police Force of working with politicians and former members of IPOB’s disbanded Directorate of State to circulate what he called misleading information about the group.

“There is no voice note. There is no order from IPOB or ESN to resume any sit-at-home. There is no plan by this movement to enforce anything on the people of the South-East or Imo State,” Powerful said.

He maintained that IPOB’s stated objective remained the pursuit of Biafran self-determination through what the group described as peaceful and lawful means.

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The spokesperson also challenged the police to produce verifiable evidence supporting the allegations, including the original recording of the purported message, its source and the basis for linking it to IPOB or ESN.

The group further alleged that the circulation of the report, alongside claims about an anonymous voice recording and the withdrawal or redeployment of security personnel in parts of the South-East, could create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

Powerful urged the Federal Government to focus on addressing economic hardship, unemployment and insecurity rather than spreading what the group described as propaganda. He also reiterated IPOB’s demand for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, whose continued detention the group disputes.

The reported intelligence document and the allegations surrounding it had raised concerns about the possible return of Monday shutdowns, which have disrupted commercial activities, education and transportation in parts of the South-East in recent years.

IPOB announced the cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home directive in February 2026, following a directive attributed to Kanu. The group called on residents to reopen markets, return to work and send children to school without fear.

However, the practice has remained a source of concern in some communities, where fear of attacks and threats by armed individuals has continued to affect economic and social activities.

The latest denial comes amid efforts by state governments and community leaders to restore normal activities on Mondays. Authorities in the region have repeatedly urged residents and business owners to resume their daily routines while calling for improved security.

As of the publication of this report, the police response to IPOB’s latest challenge and the authenticity of the purported intelligence document had not been independently established.

Residents are therefore advised to rely on verified announcements from relevant authorities rather than unconfirmed messages circulating on social media.