The Sowore-led free Nnamdi Kanu protest scheduled to hold on Monday may turn out to be the most momentous event of 2025 as it is getting strong support of Nigerians, including the court.
On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja refused the Nigeria Police Force’s bid to stop the protest.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had dispatched police lawyers to the court to move an ex parte motion against activist and protest organiser, Omoyele Sowore, in a bid to legally preempt the planned demonstration slated for the Aso Rock Villa.
However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, declined to grant the motion, which would have immediately restrained the protest from taking place without hearing the opposing side.
The Judge instead instructed the police to formally serve notice of their application on Sowore and adjourned the case until Tuesday for a proper, contested hearing.
Reacting to the judicial decision, the protest convener, Omoyele Sowore, affirmed the court’s decision as a victory for civil liberties and doubled down on the scheduled protest.
In a statement issued on his X handle on Friday following the ruling, 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 demonstration, organised under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is intended to draw attention to the prolonged detention and legal fate of Kanu.
The police action was seen as an attempt to leverage the courts to prevent a potentially sensitive gathering near the seat of Nigerian power.
The adjournment to Tuesday ensures that the planned Monday protest is not currently constrained by a court order, setting the stage for a potential high-profile confrontation between protesters and security agencies around the Presidential Villa.
The outcome of the adjourned hearing on Tuesday will determine the next legal steps regarding the protest’s legality.
Sowore.had announced October 20 as the date for a protest march to demand the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore made this known on his X handle.
According to him, the protest would be a “historic” march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, while assuring that it would be conducted peacefully and legally to demand the release of the IPOB leader.
Sowore had been going from market to market in Abuja to mobilize traders to come out enmass for the protest.
During the visits to the markets,.most of the traders reposed confidence in Sowore’s guiding genius to compel the government to free Kanu.
In a related development, the United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to Americans in anticipation of the planned protest expected to draw0 crowds to Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
In a statement published on its website on Friday, the Embassy cautioned that the protest could lead to disruptions and potential violence.
It advised US citizens to steer clear of the protest areas and limit their movement across the city.
“The US Embassy in Abuja informs US citizens that the Free Nnamdi Kanu Now protest has called for peaceful demonstrations on Monday, October 20th, 2025, in Abuja.
“There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
“The Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to avoid this area and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20th.
“The Embassy recommends children in Abuja stay home from school and domestic staff who travel from outside of Abuja to stay home as well.
“Avoid areas where protests are taking place. Avoid crowds. Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
“Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency,” the message read.
The Embassy also reminded US citizens to monitor local news, keep a low profile, and be alert in public places such as shopping centres, movie theatres, and places of worship.
