Court Clears Sowore To Proceed With #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest After Police Request Rejected

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by the Nigeria Police Force seeking to stop the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had filed an ex parte motion through police lawyers to restrain activist and protest convener, Omoyele Sowore, from going ahead with the demonstration near the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

However, Justice Umar declined to grant the police request, ruling that Sowore must first be served with a formal notice before any decision could be made. The judge subsequently adjourned the case until Tuesday for a full hearing.

The ruling effectively allows the protest to proceed as planned on Monday, as there is currently no court order preventing it.

Reacting to the decision, Sowore hailed the court’s refusal to halt the protest as a victory for democracy and free expression.

“IGP Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me in an effort to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday,” Sowore wrote on X. “But the judge refused to grant the motion and adjourned the case for proper hearing on Tuesday.”

The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, aims to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021 despite multiple court rulings ordering his release.

With the court’s ruling, Sowore and his supporters are expected to march toward the Presidential Villa as planned, setting the stage for a tense faceoff with security operatives.

The final decision on the legality of the protest will be determined at the adjourned hearing on Tuesday.