The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an attempt by the Nigeria Police Force to stop the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest, allowing it to proceed as scheduled on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had filed an ex parte motion through police lawyers, seeking to prevent the protest organized by activist Omoyele Sowore near the Aso Rock Villa.
Justice Umar declined to grant the motion, which would have immediately halted the demonstration without hearing Sowore’s side.
Instead, the judge directed the police to formally serve notice of their application on Sowore and adjourned the case to Tuesday for a proper hearing.
While reacting to the decision, Sowore hailed it as a victory for civil liberties. In a statement on his X handle, he said, “IG of Police 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, instructing them to serve me notice and adjourning the case until Tuesday.”
The protest, organized to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is expected to proceed as planned, with Sowore assuring that it will be peaceful and lawful.
The adjourned hearing on Tuesday will address the legality of the demonstration.