The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined an application by the Nigeria Police Force seeking to halt the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest scheduled to hold on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had filed an ex parte motion through police lawyers, asking the court to restrain activist Omoyele Sowore and others from proceeding with the protest near the Aso Rock Villa.
However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court refused to grant the motion, ruling that the matter could not be decided without hearing from the respondents.
The judge directed that Sowore be served with the application and adjourned the case to Tuesday for a full hearing.
Reacting to the ruling, protest convener Omoyele Sowore hailed the decision as a victory for civil rights, insisting that the protest would go on as planned.
In a post on his X handle, Sowore said, “IG of PoliceNG Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me, in an effort to halt the FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday.
“However, the judge, Justice Umar of Federal High Court in Abuja, refused to grant the ex parte motion, instead instructing him to serve me notice and adjourning the case until Tuesday for a proper hearing.”
The planned demonstration, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, seeks to draw renewed attention to the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
AFRIPOST reports that with the adjournment, the Monday protest remains legally unrestrained, raising anticipation of possible confrontation between demonstrators and security operatives around the Presidential Villa.