Nigeria’s Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has rejected an application by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) seeking to stop the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest, allowing the demonstration to proceed as scheduled on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had sent police lawyers to court to obtain an ex parte order against activist and protest organiser, Omoyele Sowore, in an attempt to halt the protest planned to take place near the Aso Rock Villa.
But, Justice Umar declined to grant the police request, ruling that Sowore must first be served with a notice of the application. The judge then adjourned the matter until Tuesday for a full hearing.
Responding to the ruling, Sowore hailed the court’s decision as a win for democracy and civil rights.
Sowore wrote on X, “IG of Police Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me in an effort to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday. But the judge refused to grant the ex parte motion and instead ordered them to serve me notice, adjourning the case to Tuesday for proper hearing.”
The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, aims to demand the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The police attempt to block the rally was widely viewed as an attempt to suppress a politically sensitive demonstration close to the seat of power.
With the adjournment, the planned Monday protest can legally proceed, setting the stage for what could be a tense standoff between protesters and security forces in the nation’s capital city.
Sowore had earlier described the protest as a “historic and peaceful march” to the Presidential Villa, urging Nigerians to join the call for Kanu’s release.