Court Refuses Police Request to Stop ” Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” Protest

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a request by the Nigeria Police Force to stop the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had asked the court for an urgent order to prevent activist Omoyele Sowore and others from holding the protest near the Aso Rock Villa.

However, Justice Umar refused to grant the police’s ex parte motion — a request made without hearing from the other side. The judge instead directed the police to formally serve Sowore with court papers and postponed the case until Tuesday for a proper hearing.

With this decision, the court has not placed any restriction on the protest, meaning it can go ahead as planned on Monday.

Reacting to the ruling, Sowore described it as a victory for civil rights. In a post on his X handle on Friday, he said the police had gone to court to stop the protest, but the judge rejected their request and fixed the next hearing for Tuesday.

The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is aimed at demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The police’s move to stop the demonstration was seen as an attempt to prevent a sensitive gathering near the Presidential Villa.

The outcome of Tuesday’s hearing will determine the next legal steps on whether the protest can continue beyond Monday.