The Federal High Court in Abuja has turned down an attempt by the Nigeria Police Force to stop the planned “#FreeNnamdiKanuNow” protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, through police lawyers, had filed an ex parte motion seeking to restrain activist Omoyele Sowore from proceeding with the demonstration near the Aso Rock Villa.
However, Justice Umar declined to grant the request, ruling that Sowore must first be served with the application before the matter could be properly heard.
The judge adjourned the case until Tuesday for further proceedings.
Reacting to the ruling, Sowore hailed the court’s decision as a triumph for democratic rights and reaffirmed that the protest would go on as planned.
“IGP Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me in an effort to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
The judge refused to grant their ex parte motion and adjourned for a proper hearing on Tuesday,” Sowore said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, seeks to draw attention to the continued detention and legal battles of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The police move was widely interpreted as a preemptive effort to block a potentially sensitive gathering near the Presidential Villa.
With the case adjourned, there is currently no court order restraining the Monday demonstration, heightening anticipation of a possible face-off between protesters and security agencies.
The court’s ruling on Tuesday is expected to determine the next legal step in the unfolding controversy over the protest’s legality.