A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused the Nigeria Police Force’s request to halt the planned ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu Now’ protest, scheduled for the Aso Rock Villa. The decision, favouring activist Omoyele Sowore, is being hailed as a major win for civil liberties and the right to peaceful protest in Nigeria.
Court Rejects Ex Parte Motion
The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a significant ruling by refusing the police’s attempt to legally prevent a major public demonstration. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had approached the court with an ex parte motion—a request made without informing the opposing party—aiming to immediately restrain the planned ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu Now’ protest.
However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court declined to grant the motion. Instead, the Judge instructed the police to formally serve notice of their application on the protest organiser, activist Omoyele Sowore, and adjourned the case until next Tuesday for a proper, contested hearing.
Protest Set to Proceed
The judicial refusal means that the planned demonstration, scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, near the Aso Rock Villa (the seat of the Nigerian Presidency), is currently not blocked by any court order.
Convener Omoyele Sowore, reacting to the ruling, affirmed the decision as a victory for civil liberties and confirmed that the demonstration will proceed as planned. The march, organised under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, aims to draw urgent attention to the prolonged detention and legal fate of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The police action was widely viewed as a clear attempt to use the courts to prevent a potentially sensitive gathering near the centre of Nigerian power. The adjournment ensures that the fate of the protest’s legality will now be determined only after the demonstration has taken place, setting the stage for a potential high-profile event around the Presidential Villa on Monday.
