A magistrate court sitting in the nation’s capital has granted bail to a group of activists and legal representatives who had been remanded after participating in the protest campaign dubbed “#FreeNnamdiKanuNow”.
The individuals released on bail include former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore, his co-organisers, and among them the lawyer Aloy Ejimakor — counsel to detained Nnamdi Kanu — as well as Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu (also known as “Fine Boy”).
Background
On Monday, 20 October 2025, a protest was held in Abuja under the banner #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, seeking the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently standing trial on terrorism and treasonable felony charges.
Prior to the protest, the Nigeria Police Force secured an ex-parte order through the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja that restrained the organisers from demonstrating near sensitive or restricted zones, including the Presidential Villa (Aso Rock), the National Assembly, and other areas in the FCT.
Arrests and Charges
Security operatives arrested the participants, including Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu and 10 others, on allegations of violating the court’s restraining order.
The police accused them of inciting disturbance, chanting war songs, obstructing traffic flow and denying other citizens freedom of movement.
They were arraigned at the magistrate court in Kuje, Abuja, and initially remanded in custody. The bail proceedings followed thereafter.
Court’s Decision & Conditions
In the recent hearing, the court granted the bail applications of those detained. The specific terms of bail (amounts, sureties) were not publicly disclosed at the time of this report. The release marks an interim step in the legal process ahead of the full hearing of the charges.
Responses and Reactions
Civil-rights organisations have expressed concern over the earlier arrests, characterising them as potential infringements of constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest.
On the other hand, police officials defended the detentions, noting that the protest occurred in defiance of a court order, and that their actions were in line with preserving public order.
What Happens Next
The case has been adjourned for further motions, and the full hearing of the prosecution’s suit is scheduled for 29 October 2025, where arguments will focus on the legality of the protest and the actions of those involved.
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Observers note that the outcome of this case will be closely watched for its potential implications on the balance between the rights to protest and the enforcement of court orders in Nigeria’s capital.
