Nnamdi KanuJustice Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja declines ex-parte motion by the Nigeria Police Force seeking to halt Monday’s planned march near Aso Rock Villa, directing proper service on activist Omoyele Sowore before hearing resumes Tuesday
The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an attempt by the Nigeria Police Force to stop the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest, clearing the way for the demonstration to hold on Monday, October 20, 2025.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Umar declined to grant an ex-parte motion filed by police lawyers on the instruction of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who sought to secure a court order restraining activist Omoyele Sowore and other organisers from going ahead with the rally scheduled to take place near the Presidential Villa.
The court, however, refused to issue the order without first hearing from the opposing side. Justice Umar instead directed the police to properly serve Sowore with notice of the application and adjourned the matter to Tuesday, October 21, for a full hearing.
By declining to issue an interim injunction, the court effectively left no legal barrier preventing the protest from proceeding as planned. This development now sets the stage for what could be a tense standoff between demonstrators and law enforcement officers around the seat of power in Abuja.
Reacting to the decision, Sowore, who leads the movement, described the ruling as a “major victory for civil rights and the rule of law.” Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account shortly after the court session, the activist wrote: “The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, sent police lawyers to file a lawsuit against me in an effort to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday. But Justice Umar declined to grant their ex parte request, instructing them to serve me properly and setting the hearing for Tuesday.”
The police’s move was widely interpreted as an attempt to use the judiciary to pre-emptively stifle public dissent and prevent a politically sensitive demonstration near the heart of government. Critics argue that the approach highlights the growing tension between the right to peaceful assembly and the state’s desire to maintain control over politically charged protests.
According to sources within the activist community, preparations for Monday’s protest are continuing despite the police’s legal challenge. Organisers have reiterated that the march will be peaceful and conducted within the confines of the law, with the aim of demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Sowore had earlier announced the protest date via his social media handle, describing the event as a “historic march toward Aso Rock Villa” and calling on Nigerians to join in solidarity for justice and freedom.
As of now, there is no injunction preventing the demonstration from taking place, and all eyes are on both the protesters and security agencies as the date approaches. The court’s final decision on Tuesday will determine the legal future of the protest and could set a new precedent for how authorities handle civil demonstrations in the country.
For now, the stage is set for what promises to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s ongoing debate over free expression, lawful dissent, and the limits of state power.
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