The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has ordered Finland-based Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, to end all sit-at-homes in the Southeast.

In a message to Ekpa, which was made public on Friday by his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu said that he was issuing a "direct order" to Ekpa to desist from calling for any sit-at-home in the region.

Kanu also warned that anyone who continues to enforce sit-at-homes in the Southeast is not his disciple and should be made to face the wrath of the law.

"I embarked on this movement to liberate our people, not to enslave them," Kanu said. "I despise and will despise any person or entity that wishes to inflict unnecessary hardship on our people."

Nnamdi Kanu

Kanu's directive comes amid growing concerns about the economic and social impact of the sit-at-homes, which have been called by IPOB in protest of the continued detention of Kanu.

The sit-at-homes have led to the closure of businesses and schools in the Southeast, and have caused widespread hardship for residents.

Kanu's directive is likely to be seen as a major blow to Ekpa, who has been a vocal supporter of the sit-at-homes.

It remains to be seen whether Ekpa will comply with Kanu's order. However, if he does not, it could lead to a split within the IPOB movement.

In his message to Ekpa, Kanu also warned that "haters of Biafra and mindless murderers in uniform" are hiding under the cover of combating enforcers of sit-at-homes to unleash mayhem against the same people IPOB is sworn to defend.

Kanu said that he has sent "countless messages" to those who are enforcing sit-at-homes that they are not doing so in his name.

He also said that he is not begging anyone to release him, but that Nigeria should have the decency to obey its own laws.

Kanu has been detained in Nigeria since June 2021 and is facing charges of treason and terrorism.