Activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore has openly rejected a Federal High Court order restricting protests near key government buildings in Abuja, insisting that Monday’s planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration will go ahead as scheduled.
The order, delivered on 17 October 2025 by Justice M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & four others, bars gatherings around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, the Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
In a post on X, Sowore declared that there is “no valid court order” restricting the planned protest, which seeks the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). ”There is no valid court order restricting the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest from Aso Rock Villa,” he wrote, describing the police’s reference to the ruling as “legally baseless.”
According to Sowore, the ex parte order cited by the authorities “has expired” because it was never served on the named defendants within the required legal timeframe. “Under Nigerian law, an ex parte order that is not served within the stipulated period lapses automatically,” he said.
He further accused the police of double standards, claiming they had not obtained similar restrictions against anti-Kanu groups who protested for three consecutive days in the capital. “The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable,” he said.
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The Nigeria Police Force, however, maintains that the court order remains valid and enforceable. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin warned that any group or individual who defies the ruling will face arrest and prosecution.
“The Force reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace,” Hundeyin said in a Sunday statement. “All groups, whether in support of or opposed to the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, must adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order.”
He added that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the FCT Commissioner of Police to ensure heavy deployments around key government buildings to safeguard lives and property.
Hundeyin also noted that while the police recognise citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly, “such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the boundaries of the law.”
Sowore, who leads the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement, announced that a team of 115 lawyers is ready to challenge any injunction once officially served. “Our legal team will challenge any alleged court order the moment we are served on Monday,” he said.
He also warned the police against using excessive force or making unlawful arrests, saying Nigerians would not tolerate any form of brutality. “Any use of excessive force will attract repercussions. Nigerians will hold accountable those who attempt brutality swiftly,” he wrote.