Simon Ekpa, the leader of a faction of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) known as auto pilots, has given the federal government an ultimatum to release IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

He said that another 3-weeks civil disobedience over the continued detention of Kanu would continue if his demand is not granted.

He said the sit-at-home would at this time include a daily curfew from 6am to noon.

His ultimatum and threat is contained in a statement titled ‘Delegitimization of Nigeria within Biafra Territory’.

He gave the federal government until September 15 to release Kanu and others being held in Nigerian state custody.

He also ordered for the dismantling of all roadblocks and checkpoints in the southeast to be dismantled by the said September 15, 2023.

He said if the demands are not met the people will engage in another three weeks of civil disobedience, including a curfew.

Ekpa in the said statement noted that during these three weeks of curfew, all Nigerian government secretariats in Biafra territory must remain closed in all states.

Ekpa’s recent sit-at-home last month flopped in all the southeast states following a letter purportedly written by Mr Kanu which condemned Ekpa’s incessant sit-at-home declarations.

Kanu in the letter noted that the sit-at-home was having adverse impact on the economy if the region.

IPOB had initially called for one a week sit-at-home protests in 2021 to demand Nnamdi Kanu’s release from custody.

Kanu is currently detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) on charges of treason, leading a proscribed group, and breaching bail conditions.

Despite IPOB’s cancellation of the sit-at-home order, Ekpa’s faction has continued to issue such directives. (The Nation)