The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the Nigeria Police Force‘s bid to halt the “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” demonstration, allowing the protest to proceed as scheduled on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun had directed police legal officers to file an ex-parte application against activist Omoyele Sowore, the leader of the planned rally near the Presidential Villa, in an attempt to block the event before it commenced.
However, Justice Umar declined to grant the police’s request without hearing from Sowore’s side, emphasizing the need for due process.
Instead of immediately approving the injunction, the judge ordered that Sowore be formally served with the application and adjourned the case to Tuesday for a comprehensive hearing.
Reacting to the ruling, Sowore hailed the decision as a victory for civil liberties and confirmed that the protest would continue as planned.
On his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sowore shared on Friday: “IG of @PoliceNG, Kayode Egbetokun, instructed police lawyers to file a suit against me to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest set for Aso Rock Villa on Monday. But Justice Umar refused their ex parte motion, directing proper service and scheduling the hearing for Tuesday.”
The police’s legal maneuver was widely interpreted as an attempt to leverage the judiciary to suppress a potentially sensitive demonstration close to the seat of government.
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With the hearing postponed, no court order currently bars the protest, opening the door for a possible confrontation between protesters and security forces near the Presidential Villa.
The outcome of Tuesday’s court session will be pivotal in determining the protest’s legal standing.
It is worth noting that Sowore had publicized the October 20 protest on his X platform, describing it as a “historic” march to Aso Rock Villa aimed at demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Sowore stressed that the demonstration would remain peaceful and adhere strictly to legal guidelines.