THE Nigeria Police Force has warned groups planning protests in Abuja to comply with a subsisting Federal High Court order restricting demonstrations around key government institutions, including the Presidential Villa and National Assembly Complex.
The caution comes amid renewed mobilisation by rights activist Omoyele Sowore for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, to demand the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement released on Saturday, October 18, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the police said an order issued on October 17 by a Federal High Court judge, M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & four others remained binding and enforceable.
According to the police, the court restrained Sowore and others from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
The police urged all groups involved, whether supporting or opposing the agitation for Kanu’s release to respect the court order, warning that any attempt to defy it would attract punitive measures.
“Any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise property, kidnap, or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life will be dealt with decisively,” the statement read.
The Force reiterated that it recognised citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression but stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the law, especially where public safety and national security were at stake.
The police said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had directed the FCT Commissioner of Police to enforce the order strictly and ensure visible deployments across identified flashpoints in the capital city.
According to the police, offenders would face prosecution under criminal laws relating to public order, violent conduct, and terrorism. The statement also cautioned those using social media to incite unrest, warning that digital evidence would be used in investigations and court proceedings.
The police assured Abuja residents of adequate security arrangements to protect lives and property and urged people not participating in the protest to go about their lawful activities without fear.
The warning follows a series of court and public exchanges surrounding the planned protest. On Friday, October 17, a Federal High Court in Abuja declined to grant an ex parte motion filed by the police to stop the demonstration, directing that Sowore be properly served before further hearing on October 21.
Following the ruling, Sowore reaffirmed his intention to proceed with the protest, describing it as a civil rights action to demand Kanu’s release.
Kanu, leader of the proscribed IPOB, has been in detention since his arrest and controversial repatriation from Kenya in 2021. Despite multiple court rulings ordering his release, he remains in the custody of the State Security Service while facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism and incitement.
The ICIR earlier reported that Kanu’s case has been marked by prolonged adjournments, medical disputes, and legal wrangling over jurisdiction.
A reporter with the ICIR
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