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.

READ ALSO:

• FG Moves to Expand CNG Vehicle Production, Targets Cheaper Transport Fares
• 2027: Adeleke’s Camp Promises 1.5 Million Votes for Tinubu in Osun
• APC Expands Tinubu’s Campaign Council, Names Wike, Adeleke, Soludo

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.

A viral video showing an Indian national allegedly assaulting two Nigerian truck drivers at a company’s premises along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has sparked outrage, with transport stakeholders demanding justice and calling for an investigation.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the premises of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd, around Km 12 of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, opposite the old Ratcoc Quarry. The footage circulated widely on social media on Monday, October 12.

The two transport workers were identified as Rilwan Olajide, a truck driver, and Taiwo Yinusa, his motor boy. The video appears to show a confrontation between the drivers and individuals at the company’s premises, with the disagreement reportedly involving truck keys and a demand for demurrage compensation.

The situation allegedly escalated when a man identified in media reports as an Indian national struck one of the drivers with a stick. Another worker appeared to be restrained by other individuals and kicked while on the ground.

However, the full circumstances leading to the confrontation remain unclear, and the allegations have yet to be conclusively established.

The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) condemned the alleged assault, describing the reported treatment of the workers as unacceptable. The association said the available video footage and other materials raised concerns about the alleged involvement of individuals connected with the company.

READ ALSO:

• Forgery Probe: Police Arrest Ex-Imo Governor Rochas Okorocha in Abuja
• INEC Demands Formal Complaints as Missing Candidates Rock 2027 Election List
• Tragedy in Ibadan as Truck Kills Female Corps Member, Injures Others

AMATO stressed that disagreements over payments, truck keys or other commercial matters should be resolved through lawful means rather than violence or intimidation. It also emphasised that every person in Nigeria is entitled to dignity and protection under the law, regardless of nationality or occupation.

The association called on the relevant police authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, preserve available evidence and identify everyone involved. It urged the authorities to prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

AMATO also appealed to the management of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd to cooperate with investigators and take appropriate steps to prevent a recurrence. It maintained that accountability should be based on the actions of individuals and should not be used to stigmatise Indian nationals generally.

In a separate response, the Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Committee (LASTCOC) reportedly directed truck owners and drivers to suspend the delivery and collection of consignments to and from the company pending further action over the incident.

The directive could affect cargo movement involving the company while transport operators await the outcome of efforts to address the allegations. LASTCOC also warned that operators who disregarded the directive could face sanctions.

The reported suspension underscores the growing tension between transport stakeholders and the company following the circulation of the video.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety and treatment of Nigerian truck drivers and motor boys, who play a critical role in moving goods across the country. Transport stakeholders have insisted that workplace and commercial disputes must be handled through established procedures, with violence and intimidation investigated and addressed appropriately.

As of the latest available reports, there was no confirmed public announcement of an arrest or a formal police finding on the incident. The company’s response was also not available. The allegations therefore remain subject to investigation, and the responsibility of each person involved must be determined through due process.