The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 29 to hear a suit filed by the police against Omoyele Sowore and other conveners of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on October 20. The protest, which was held despite a court order, crippled court activities in Abuja and led to the arrest of several individuals, including Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor.
The police had filed an ex parte motion against Sowore and others, seeking to restrain them from protesting in sensitive areas of Abuja. Justice Mohammed Umar granted an interim order, barring the protesters from demonstrating around key locations, including the Aso Rock Villa and National Assembly.
The judge also made an order of abridgement of time “within which the respondents will respond to the application on notice to cause the ex-parte order be set aside on Monday, the 20th of October, 2025 at 9.00am,” before adjourning until Oct. 20 for hearing of the motion on notice.
The Police Force, in the ex parte motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, had sued Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, and Sahara Reporters’ Media Foundation as 1st to 3rd respondents.
The police claimed that the protest could threaten national security. However, Sowore insisted on his right to peaceful protest, and his arrest by police officers sparked controversy.
Recall that the activist, who was at the court on Thursday to meet with Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, was arrested on the court premises.
The court has scheduled October 29 to hear the motion on notice, allowing the respondents to argue their case against the interim order.
Watch video of Sowore’s arrest:
VIDEO: SOWORE ARRESTED AT FEDERAL HIGH COURT, ABUJA
Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has just been arrested at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He was whisked away at the behest of the Commissioner of Police. pic.twitter.com/wPDRYPc4WZ
— The Yoruba Times (@TheYorubaTimes) October 23, 2025