Court stops planned #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order stopping human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and others from organising or participating in the planned October 20 protest demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The order followed an ex parte motion filed by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force, seeking to prevent the demonstration in the Federal Capital Territory.

Justice M. G. Umar, who delivered the ruling, restrained Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and “persons unknown” from promoting or taking part in the protest. The case is marked FHC/ABJ/2202/2025.

Confirming the development, Sowore alleged that the order was secretly granted after the judge had earlier refused the same request in open court.

“After declining to stop our protest in open court, the judge reportedly granted the order in chambers, banning protests at Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, and the Unity Fountain,” Sowore said in a post on social media.

The activist and other groups had announced plans to stage the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest on Monday, October 20, to demand Kanu’s immediate release from the custody of the Department of State Services. The protest had gained traction online and was backed by several political figures, including a former Vice President and a former Senate President.

However, the Federal Government argued that the planned demonstration could threaten public peace and urged the court to intervene before it took place.

Kanu, who has been in DSS custody since June 2021, is facing terrorism and treasonable felony charges. He was first arrested in 2015, released on bail in 2017, and fled Nigeria after a military raid on his home. He was later re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria.

Although the Court of Appeal ordered his release in 2022, the Supreme Court overturned that ruling in December 2023, allowing his trial to continue.

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Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Abuja has warned its citizens to stay away from the protest locations.

In a security alert on Friday, the embassy advised Americans to avoid Eagle Square and the Central Business District, warning that the protest could result in roadblocks, traffic disruptions, or possible violence.

It also urged residents to take precautions, including keeping children at home, avoiding large gatherings, and limiting movement within the city on Monday, October 20.