The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the Nigeria Police Force’s attempt to halt the upcoming “FreeNnamdiKanuNow” rally organized by activist Omoyele Sowore.
Set for Monday, October 20, 2025, the demonstration seeks to spotlight the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun had instructed police legal representatives to file an ex parte application aimed at preventing Sowore from proceeding with the protest-after-manchester-attack-protests-news/” title=”UK police urge cancellation of Palestine … after Manchester attack | …s News”>protest planned to take place at the Aso Rock Villa, the seat of Nigeria’s executive power.
Nonetheless, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court declined to grant the police’s request for an immediate injunction without hearing Sowore’s side of the case.
Instead, the judge ordered that the police formally notify Sowore of their application and scheduled a hearing for Tuesday to consider the matter thoroughly.
Responding to the ruling, Sowore hailed the court’s decision as a triumph for freedom of expression and reaffirmed his commitment to the planned protest.
In a statement shared on his X account shortly after the judgment, Sowore remarked, “IG of Police Kayode Egbetokun sent lawyers to seek a court order to stop the FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest at Aso Rock Villa on Monday. However, Justice Umar refused to grant the ex parte motion, directing that I be served notice and adjourning the case for a full hearing on Tuesday.”
The protest, trending under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, aims to raise awareness about the extended incarceration and uncertain legal status of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a prominent figure in the IPOB movement.
