The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined an application by the Nigeria Police Force seeking to stop the planned ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu Now’ protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had directed police lawyers to file an ex parte motion against activist and protest organiser, Omoyele Sowore, in an effort to halt the demonstration billed to hold near the Aso Rock Villa.
However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court refused to grant the police request, noting that such an order could not be issued without hearing from the respondent.
The court instead instructed the police to formally serve Sowore with the application and adjourned the matter until Tuesday, October 21, for a full hearing.
The decision effectively allows the protest to go ahead as scheduled on Monday, pending further judicial proceedings.
Reacting to the ruling, Omoyele Sowore hailed the court’s stance as a victory for democracy and citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Sowore wrote: ‘The IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, sent police lawyers to sue me in an effort to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday.
‘However, Justice Umar refused to grant the ex parte motion and ordered them to serve me formally, adjourning the case till Tuesday for hearing.’
The planned protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, aims to draw attention to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Security analysts view the police’s attempt as a preemptive legal strategy to forestall a potentially sensitive demonstration near the seat of power.
With no restraining order currently in place, the stage appears set for what could be a high-profile protest in Abuja, with authorities expected to closely monitor developments around the Presidential Villa.
The outcome of Tuesday’s adjourned hearing will determine the next legal steps regarding the protest’s status and the broader implications for freedom of assembly in Nigeria.