The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an attempt by the Nigeria Police Force to block the “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, effectively allowing the planned demonstration to go ahead.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had sent a team of police lawyers to the court seeking an ex parte order against activist and protest organiser Omoyele Sowore, in an effort to pre-empt the march set to take place near the Aso Rock Villa.
However, Justice Umar declined to grant the motion, ruling that Sowore must first be served with notice before the matter could be heard. The case was subsequently adjourned until Tuesday for a full hearing.
The judge’s decision means the police cannot legally restrain Monday’s protest, which has been promoted on social media under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, demanding the release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Reacting to the ruling, Sowore hailed the court’s position as a “victory for civil liberties” and vowed that the protest would proceed as planned.
“IG of Police Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me in an effort to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest,” Sowore wrote on his X handle. “But Justice Umar refused to grant the ex parte motion and directed that I be served notice instead.”
The police motion was widely viewed as an attempt to use judicial channels to prevent a politically sensitive demonstration close to the seat of Nigerian power.
With no restraining order in place, security observers anticipate heightened tension around the Presidential Villa on Monday as activists gather to press for Kanu’s release.
The adjourned hearing on Tuesday will determine whether the police can later obtain a formal injunction against further protests.
