IPOB Challenges Police to Prove Alleged Monday Sit-at-Home Plan in South-East

Group denies issuing fresh order, says no voice note exists and reiterates commitment to Biafran self-determination

By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has challenged the Nigeria Police Force to provide evidence linking the group to an alleged plan to resume enforcing Monday sit-at-home orders across the South-East. The group denied directing its members or the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to enforce any sit-at-home from October 12, 2026, following reports of a police intelligence document dated October 9 that allegedly raised concerns about a possible return of the action.

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In a statement issued on Monday, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, insisted that the organisation had not issued any fresh directive and urged the police to produce verifiable evidence supporting the allegation.

“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,” the statement said. Powerful called on the police to establish the authenticity and source of the alleged message, insisting that the group’s position had not changed.

IPOB also reiterated its stated commitment to Biafran self-determination through peaceful means, while restating its intention to boycott forthcoming elections. The group further urged the Federal Government to address economic challenges facing Nigerians, particularly hunger and unemployment, and called for measures to reduce hardship and improve living conditions.

As of the time of filing this report, the police had not publicly responded to IPOB’s denial or the challenge concerning the reported intelligence document. The alleged plan to resume sit-at-home enforcement therefore remains an unverified claim based on the reports cited, while IPOB has denied responsibility for any such directive.

The development comes amid continuing security and political concerns in the South-East, where sit-at-home actions have previously disrupted commercial activities, schooling and movement. Any further clarification from the police on the document and the evidence behind the allegation would help establish the basis of the warning.