Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has declared his intention to go ahead with the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest on Monday, October 20, in defiance of a Federal High Court order restricting demonstrations around key government sites in Abuja.
The protest is aimed at demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in detention since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021 and is currently facing terrorism-related charges.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the African Action Congress (AAC), stated that his legal team, comprising 115 lawyers, was prepared to challenge the court order once formally served.
“Our legal team will challenge any alleged court order the moment we are served on Monday,” Sowore said.
“But let it be known that nothing can stop this mass movement. October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully.”
The Nigeria Police Force, in a statement by its spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, reiterated its warning to all groups planning public demonstrations to comply with the subsisting court order.
The restriction applies to protests within and around sensitive areas such as the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
The court order, issued by Justice M. Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, arose from the case Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others and prohibits Sowore and any affiliated individuals or groups from organizing protests in the specified zones.
“The police recognize and respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” the statement noted.
“However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.”
The statement added that any attempt to breach the order or incite unrest would be met with legal consequences, as the Force remains committed to maintaining public safety and order.
Reacting to the police stance, Sowore accused the authorities of selective enforcement and “glaring hypocrisy.”
“I’m glad to see that the Nigeria Police have finally shown some respect for the constitutional right to freedom of assembly,” he said.
“But if a court order truly exists restricting protests near Aso Rock, why hasn’t the same police force obtained a similar order against those who have been protesting against Nnamdi Kanu’s release for three straight days?”
He questioned what he described as “undeniable double standards” in how different protest groups are treated.
Police spokesperson Hundeyin confirmed that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed the FCT Commissioner of Police to ensure full enforcement of the court directive, including increased security presence at strategic locations in the capital.
Authorities also cautioned against any attempt by either protesters or counter-protesters to disrupt peace, vowing to impose penalties on violators.
Residents of Abuja were assured of adequate security arrangements to protect lives and property during the protest period.
