The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied a request by the Nigeria Police Force to stop the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.
The police, under the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had filed an ex parte motion seeking an immediate order to halt the demonstration, which is set to take place near the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
However, Justice Umar declined to grant the application without hearing from the protest organiser, Omoyele Sowore. The court instead directed the police to serve Sowore with notice of the suit and adjourned the case until Tuesday, October 21, for a full hearing.
This means the protest can proceed as planned on Monday, as there is currently no court order preventing it.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Sowore described the ruling as a win for democratic rights and reaffirmed his commitment to holding the protest. In a statement shared via his social media account on Friday, he said the protest would go ahead peacefully and lawfully.
The protest is being organised to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose prolonged incarceration has continued to spark debate and activism across the country.
Authorities view the planned demonstration, especially near the seat of power, as potentially sensitive. However, with the court refusing to issue a restraining order ahead of the protest, tension may rise as both activists and security agencies prepare for the event.
The legal challenge by the police will now be addressed in court on Tuesday, where arguments from both sides will be heard to determine the next legal steps regarding the protest’s legitimacy.
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