A Federal High Court in Abuja has declined a request by the Nigeria Police Force seeking to stop the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, set to take place on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The protest, championed by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and others, is calling for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in prolonged detention.
Court Refuses Ex Parte Motion
The police had approached the court with an ex parte application—a request made without notifying the opposing party—seeking an order to stop the protest before it begins.
However, Justice M.G. Umar refused the request, emphasizing that such an order could not be granted without hearing from the respondents.
The court instead directed that Sowore and others be properly served with the application, and adjourned the case to Tuesday, October 21, for further hearing. This means the protest can legally proceed, unless a new court decision says otherwise.
Contradictory Orders?
Despite this development, there are reports that an earlier interim court order may have been issued restricting protest activities around critical locations such as the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, and Police Headquarters in Abuja.
The police have cited this interim order in warning protesters not to gather in those areas, saying any violation will lead to arrests.
Sowore Vows to Proceed
In reaction, Sowore insisted that the protest will hold as planned, describing it as a constitutional right of Nigerians.
He accused the police of seeking to suppress legitimate dissent and questioned why similar legal steps were not taken to stop counter-protests against Kanu’s release.
Sowore also claimed to have assembled a legal team of over 100 lawyers ready to challenge any attempt to stop the protest.
“We will not be intimidated. We are within our rights, and no amount of legal gymnastics will stop us,” he said.
Police Insist on Lawful Conduct
The Nigeria Police Force, in a statement on Saturday, warned that while it respects the right to peaceful assembly, all demonstrations must be conducted within the bounds of the law.
The statement added that security forces have been placed on alert to prevent any breakdown of order.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin emphasized that security agencies will enforce the existing interim court order restricting protests around sensitive locations.
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“We advise organizers and participants to comply with lawful orders and avoid designated security zones. The police will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting public peace,” the statement read.
Background: Nnamdi Kanu’s Ongoing Detention
Nnamdi Kanu has remained in custody despite several court orders granting him bail. His continued detention has sparked repeated calls for his release from civil society organizations, political groups, and international observers. The upcoming protest adds to the growing national and international pressure on the federal government.
What to Expect
As tensions mount ahead of Monday’s protest, all eyes will be on Abuja. Legal proceedings scheduled for Tuesday could set important precedents on the rights to protest and the limits of state power.
In the meantime, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for legal, political, and street-level confrontations.
