The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application filed by the Nigeria Police Force seeking to stop the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had sent police lawyers to move an ex parte motion against activist and protest convener Omoyele Sowore, in an attempt to legally halt the demonstration slated to take place around the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, refused to grant the request, ruling that the police must first serve Sowore with notice of their application before the matter can be heard. The judge subsequently adjourned the case to Tuesday for a proper, contested hearing.
The decision effectively clears the way for the protest to proceed as planned on Monday, as no restraining order currently exists against it.
Reacting to the ruling, Sowore described the court’s position as a victory for civil liberties and reaffirmed that the protest would go ahead.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, he wrote: “IG of @PoliceNG Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me in an effort to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday. However, Justice Umar refused to grant the ex parte motion, instead instructing them to serve me notice and adjourning the case until Tuesday.”
The demonstration, organised to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is expected to draw crowds to Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
Observers view the police’s legal move as an attempt to prevent a potentially sensitive gathering near the seat of power.
With the adjournment, the Monday protest remains legally unrestrained, setting the stage for what could be a tense standoff between protesters and security operatives around the Presidential Villa.
The court’s decision on Tuesday will determine the next legal steps concerning the protest’s legitimacy.