Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court 5 has refused to grant the Federal Government’s request for ex-parte injunction barring the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on October 20.
Kanu is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
However, some drama played out at the police headquarters in Abuja when Sowore’s lawyer was invited on Friday.
COURT REJECTS STOP-PROTEST REQUEST
The court rather directed that the organiser former Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections be formally put on notice, following which the case was adjourned to October 21, a day after the scheduled protest.
Government had filed the lawsuit seeking to halt the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, sought to restrain the pro-democracy convener and three others from leading the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for October 20, 2025.
In the ex parte application filed under case number FHC/ABJ/2202/2025 and moved by lawyer Wisdom Madaki on behalf of the government, the Federal Government requested an order to prevent Sowore and three others from participating in, organising, or promoting the protest, which demands the unconditional release of detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, known for his advocacy on civil rights and activism, has been at the forefront of several campaigns calling for the release of detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The former students’ leader launched a campaign demanding the release of Kanu, rallying politicians and citizens alike, and expanding the movement to grassroots locations like markets.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate, announced a protest march scheduled for October 20, 2025, aimed at pressuring the Nigerian government to release Kanu.
He described the protest as a “historic” march to Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, starting at 7 a.m., and has been actively promoting it under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.
Sowore recently met with former President Goodluck Jonathan to seek his support. Jonathan acknowledged the urgency of resolving Kanu’s case and promised to discuss it with President Bola Tinubu.
He also reached out to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among others, urging them to back the protest and support efforts toward Kanu’s release. Atiku also endorsed the campaign.
In recent statements, Sowore emphasised that the campaign would extend beyond political circles into markets and public spaces, aiming to mobilise ordinary Nigerians and raise awareness at the grassroots level.
The Bola Tinubu Presidency, through spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, recently criticised Sowore’s actions, accusing him of trying to incite disorder and undermine the rule of law. They reiterated that Kanu is facing treason charges and dismissed the protest as anarchistic.
SOWORE’S NARRATION
Sowore narrated what transpired police headquarters in Abuja.
Writing under the title, “#FreeNnamdiKanuNow UPDATE: The Drama at the FCT Command This Morning,”Sowore tweeted on Friday:
“Earlier today, the Nigeria Police Force FCT Command invited Barr. Maxwell Opara to discuss the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
“Upon our arrival at the Command’s entrance, we were abruptly stopped by a police contingent stationed at the gate. Officers claimed the new Commissioner of Police was resuming duty and could not attend to visitors until after his official resumption rituals.
“When we were eventually allowed through, the senior police officer, SUPOL Habib Mohammed, who had extended the invitation, met us and presented a copy of the organizers’ letter seeking police protection, Barr. Maxwell Opara had not arrived at that point, a letter filed by Barrister Opara as legal representative of the protest movement.
“But the tone of the meeting shifted quickly after the SUPOL Mohammed received a phone call. He informed us that the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) wished to meet us. When we arrived at his office, he expressed surprise at my presence at the FCT Command, claiming that no invitation had been extended to me personally. He remained polite, and we left courteously.
“Shortly after, Barr. Maxwell Opara arrived to the SUPOL’s office, where the conversation turned tense. The officer issued a veiled threat, warning that Barrister Opara would be “held responsible if anything goes wrong anywhere in Abuja on Monday.” Barrister Opara reminded him that this was precisely why the organizers had sent a formal notification to ensure a peaceful and lawful demonstration. The officer reportedly began shouting, and the meeting ended abruptly.
“According to Barrister Opara, it became clear that they did not want me present because they were seeking someone they could intimidate.
“Not long after we left the Command, the illegal IGP directed police lawyers to obtain a court order to stop the protest. However, the Federal High Court judge declined to grant the order in open court. It was later reported that a “limited-purpose order” was issued, but no such order has been served on the organizers.
“The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest is unstoppable.
“We are proceeding as planned, peacefully, lawfully, and with unwavering resolve.
“#FreeNnamdiKanuNow #MNKOct20.”