The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied a request by the Nigeria Police Force to halt a planned protest demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest, scheduled for Monday, October 20, is being organised by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.
Police lawyers, on the orders of Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, had filed an ex parte motion, a legal request for an urgent ruling without hearing from the opposing party, aimed at stopping the march from taking place near Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
But in a ruling on Friday, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court declined to grant the motion, insisting that Sowore must be officially served with the application.
The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, October 21, for a full hearing.
Responding shortly after the ruling, Sowore took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to praise the decision as a win for democracy.
“The IG of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, sent lawyers to try and shut down the protest,” Sowore said.
“But the judge refused their request. Instead, he asked that I be served the court papers and set a hearing for Tuesday. The protest on Monday goes ahead as planned.”
The protest aims to draw national and international attention to Kanu’s continued detention, which his supporters argue is unlawful and politically motivated.
The activist has remained in the custody of Nigerian authorities despite several court rulings in his favour.
The police effort to stop the protest is seen by critics as a preemptive move to avoid unrest near Nigeria’s seat of power.
However, with no court order currently barring the demonstration, activists are expected to proceed, potentially setting up a tense encounter between protesters and security forces on Monday.
The US Embassy in Nigeria has already issued a security advisory ahead of the protest, warning American citizens to avoid the Federal Capital Territory’s central areas.
The FCT Police Command also recently got a new commissioner, amid growing concerns over rising protests and political activism.
Sowore had previously described the march as “historic,” promising it would remain peaceful, non-violent, and within the bounds of the law.
He reiterated that the protest is not just about Kanu, but also about upholding civil liberties and holding government accountable to constitutional rights.
The protest is expected to proceed on October 20, unless the court rules otherwise in Tuesday’s adjourned hearing.
