The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by the Nigeria Police Force seeking to stop the planned “Free Nnamdi KanuNow” protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, effectively allowing the demonstration to go ahead.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had through police lawyers filed an ex parte motion against activist and protest convener, Omoyele Sowore, in a bid to secure a court order halting the protest planned to hold near the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court declined to grant the police’s request, ruling that the motion could not be considered without hearing from the opposing side. The judge instead ordered that Sowore be formally served notice of the application and adjourned the matter until Tuesday for a proper hearing.
Reacting to the ruling, Sowore described the decision as a victory for civil liberties, vowing that the protest would proceed as planned.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, he wrote:
“The IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, dispatched police lawyers to sue me in an effort to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday. However, Justice Umar refused to grant the ex parte motion, instructing the police to serve me notice and adjourning the case until Tuesday.”
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration aims to draw national attention to the continued detention and legal battles of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The police’s legal move was widely seen as an attempt to prevent a sensitive protest near the seat of presidential power in Abuja. With the court declining the police’s request, no legal barrier currently exists against the planned Monday rally, setting the stage for a possible tense standoff between protesters and security operatives.
The court is expected to hear the matter on Tuesday, October 21, when both parties will present their arguments on the legality of the protest.
Sowore had earlier announced that the October 20 march would be peaceful and lawful, describing it as a “historic call for justice” in demanding Kanu’s release.
