A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction preventing Omoyele Sowore and others from organising or participating in the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest planned for October 20.
The court acted on an ex parte application by the federal government via the Nigeria Police Force.
In his ruling, Justice M. G. Umar barred Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and “persons unknown” from endorsing or carrying out the protest.
The suit is filed under FHC/ABJ/2202/2025.
According to Sowore, the injunction came after the judge declined a similar request in open court, but later granted it behind closed doors.
He claimed the ban covers protests at Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, and Unity Fountain.
Organisers had earlier declared that the demonstration aimed to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of IPOB and was supported by several political figures.
Plans were in place to march to Aso Rock Villa to amplify pressure.
In its filing, the government contended the protest could disrupt public peace and security, urging judicial intervention.
The U.S Embassy in Abuja warned its citizens to steer clear of protest sites and limit movement around the city on protest day.
The advisory cited potential roadblocks, traffic snarls, and clashes between security forces and demonstrators near Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
The embassy urged citizens to avoid crowds, stay informed through official channels and maintain low visibility in public spaces such as malls, worship centers, and cinemas.
Saudi staff and students commuting from outside Abuja were also advised to remain indoors.
