The Nigeria Police Force has cautioned all protest groups in Abuja to comply with a court order that restricts demonstrations in designated high-security areas of the capital.
The directive follows a ruling by Justice M. G. Umar, delivered on 17 October 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore and four others. The judgment prohibits protests around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin stated that the Force remains firmly committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public order in line with constitutional provisions.
“In obedience to the Court’s authority and consistent with our constitutional duty to enforce law and order, the Police urge all groups, whether supporting or opposing the call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to fully respect the court order,” he said.
He emphasised that the directive remains binding and enforceable until further judicial action is taken. The planned protest, set for Monday, 20 October 2025, calls for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained since his extradition from Kenya in 2021 and faces terrorism charges.
Hundeyin acknowledged citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and expression but stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly.
“The Court’s intervention serves as a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms. Therefore, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups should avoid restricted areas and refrain from any actions likely to provoke confrontation or disrupt public order. The Police will ensure smooth traffic flow, protection of lives and property, and security for all law-abiding citizens,” he said.
The Force warned that anyone found inciting violence, carrying weapons, destroying property, or engaging in harmful acts would face arrest and prosecution. It further stated that digital evidence would be employed to investigate online incitement.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has instructed the FCT Commissioner of Police and other operational commands to strictly enforce the order through visible deployments across sensitive locations to maintain public safety.
Sowore Challenges Court Order
Activist Omoyele Sowore, who insists on proceeding with the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, dismissed the Police claim of a valid court order restricting the demonstration.
“There is no valid court order stopping the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest near Aso Rock Villa,” Sowore wrote on X.
He argued that the alleged order lacks legal effect, as it was never served on the named defendants or organisers.
“Under Nigerian law, an ex parte order not served within the required timeframe automatically lapses. Therefore, there is nothing to defy—no binding restriction, no valid injunction. The people’s constitutional right to peaceful protest remains intact and unstoppable,” he declared.
Sowore accused the Police of hypocrisy for failing to secure similar court orders against those protesting in opposition to Kanu’s release for three consecutive days.
“The double standards are glaring and indefensible,” he said.
He revealed that a team of 115 lawyers would challenge any court order once officially served.
“Our legal team will contest any alleged court order as soon as it is served on Monday. However, this mass movement will not be halted,” he affirmed.
Sowore further cautioned the Police against the use of excessive force or unlawful arrests, urging officers to respect citizens’ rights.
“We call on CP Dantawaye and every officer of the Nigeria Police Force to honour their oath to protect citizens and uphold their right to peaceful assembly. Any use of excessive force or unlawful arrest will have consequences. Nigerians are ready to hold accountable anyone who attempts brutality. The times are changing, and citizens will no longer tolerate oppression,” he warned.