The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a request by the Nigeria Police Force to stop the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest, effectively giving the green light for the demonstration to hold on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had filed an ex parte motion through police lawyers, seeking to block activist Omoyele Sowore and other organisers from proceeding with the protest scheduled to take place near the Aso Rock Villa.
However, Justice Umar declined the police’s request, ruling that Sowore must first be served with notice before the matter could be heard. The court then adjourned the case to Tuesday for proper proceedings, meaning the protest can go on as planned.
Reacting to the ruling, Sowore hailed the court’s decision as a win for democracy and civil rights. In a post shared on X, he wrote, “The IG of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, sent police lawyers to court to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. But the judge refused to grant their ex parte motion and adjourned till Tuesday after directing them to serve me.”
The planned protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, aims to draw attention to the continued detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Sowore has described the march to Aso Rock Villa as “historic,” assuring that it will be peaceful and lawful.
With no court order currently barring the demonstration, security agencies may face heightened tension around the Presidential Villa on Monday as protesters proceed with their march demanding Kanu’s release.
The court is expected to revisit the case on Tuesday to decide the next legal steps regarding the protest’s legitimacy.
