The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a request by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) seeking to halt the planned ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu Now’ protest organised by activist Omoyele Sowore.
The protest, scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, aims to demand the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in prolonged detention.
According to court proceedings, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had deployed a team of police lawyers to move an ex parte motion against Sowore, seeking an urgent order to restrain the protest from taking place near the Aso Rock Villa, the seat of Nigeria’s presidency.
However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court declined the request, ruling that such an order could not be granted without hearing from the opposing party.
The judge instead directed the police to serve Sowore with a formal notice of the application and adjourned the case to Tuesday for a proper hearing.
Reacting to the ruling, Sowore described the court’s decision as a victory for civil liberties, affirming that the protest would proceed as planned.
“IG of Police Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday.
“However, the judge refused to grant their ex parte motion, instead ordering them to serve me notice and fixing Tuesday for hearing,”Sowore said in a statement on his X handle.
The activist maintained that the demonstration would continue peacefully, adding that it seeks to draw global attention to Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention and demand justice under the rule of law.
