The Bola Tinubu administration has filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest organised by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and three others.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, aims to restrain the activists from leading or promoting the nationwide protest scheduled for October 20, 2025.
According to court documents marked FHC/ABJ/2202/2025, the application was filed by government counsel Wisdom Madaki, who urged the court to bar the defendants from taking part in or coordinating the protest. The government claims the planned march could threaten public order and undermine national security.
However, Justice M.G. Umar of Federal High Court 5 refused to grant the ex parte request. Instead, he ordered that Sowore and the other respondents be served notice of the motion. The court adjourned the hearing to October 21—a day after the scheduled protest.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has long campaigned for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu has been detained since 2021 on treason charges.
The activist recently launched the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign to demand Kanu’s unconditional release. He described the upcoming march as a “historic protest” to Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. The protest is expected to start at 7 a.m. on October 20 and attract participants nationwide.
In preparation, Sowore met with former President Goodluck Jonathan, who reportedly agreed that Kanu’s continued detention needed urgent attention and promised to discuss the issue with President Tinubu.
Sowore also reached out to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other political leaders, urging them to support the campaign. Atiku has since endorsed the movement.
Government spokesperson Bayo Onanuga criticised the campaign, accusing Sowore of attempting to incite unrest and challenge the rule of law.
He stressed that Kanu remains under prosecution for treason and warned that any attempt to disrupt public peace would be dealt with according to the law.
The planned protest has gained momentum on social media, with activists and civil society groups pledging participation despite the government’s legal challenge.
