Federal High Court Approves #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest, Bars Demonstrators From Aso Rock Villa and National Assembly
Federal High Court Approves #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest, Bars Demonstrators From Aso Rock Villa and National Assembly
In a landmark ruling delivered on Friday, October 17, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice M.G. Umar, granted approval for the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, affirming the citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression.
However, the court also placed a temporary restriction on demonstrators from entering or assembling near strategic government institutions such as Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way — all located within the high-security zones of Nigeria’s capital city.
Court’s Decision: Balancing Rights and National Security
The ruling followed a motion ex parte filed by the Nigeria Police Force under Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, titled Federal Republic of Nigeria vs Omoyele Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, Sahara Reporters Media Foundation, Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Unknown Persons.
In the motion supported by an affidavit deposed to by Bassey Ibithan, a police officer attached to the Directorate of Legal Services, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the government argued that the planned protest posed potential risks to national security if allowed to take place near sensitive areas of governance.
After hearing submissions from Wisdom Madaki, Esq., with Joseph Anzaku, Esq., on behalf of the government, Justice Umar ruled that the right to protest and freedom of assembly remain constitutionally protected, provided that the protesters adhere to the restrictions placed for public safety and order.
Quoting directly from the order, the court stated:
“The Respondents are hereby restrained in the interim from protesting in the following areas: Aso Rock Villa, or anywhere close to the Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.”
The case has been adjourned to Monday, October 20, 2025, for the respondents — including activist Omoyele Sowore and the Take It Back Movement (TIB) — to appear and present their responses to the government’s motion.
Background: Police Seek Court Intervention Ahead of Protest
Earlier reports revealed that the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters had issued a nationwide directive to heighten security ahead of the planned protests slated for Monday, October 20, 2025. The protests are organized under the banner #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, demanding the unconditional release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in compliance with prior court rulings.
In a wireless message circulated to all zonal commands and divisions, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered increased surveillance and deployment of covert operatives across major cities. Tactical units were directed to remain on high alert, while all commands were instructed to submit hourly situation reports from Sunday, October 19, until further notice.
The police, in their submission, maintained that intelligence reports indicated plans by “unscrupulous elements” to hijack the peaceful demonstrations to cause unrest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country.
Court Declines Total Ban, Upholds Civil Rights
Despite the government’s argument, Justice M.G. Umar declined to grant the police’s request for a total suspension of the protest. Instead, the judge reaffirmed that freedom of peaceful assembly is a fundamental right guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He emphasized that the court would not issue blanket restrictions that could infringe upon the constitutional rights of citizens but would act only to maintain balance between liberty and national security.
Justice Umar therefore ordered that the respondents be served immediately with the motion and ex parte order, noting that they could apply to set aside the interim injunction during the next hearing scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Sowore Reacts: “A Victory for Civil Rights”
Reacting shortly after the judgment, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, in a statement posted on his official X handle (formerly Twitter), hailed the ruling as a victory for democracy and civil liberties in Nigeria.
He wrote:
“The Inspector General of Police dispatched lawyers to sue me in an effort to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday.However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja refused to grant the ex parte motion, instead instructing that I be served and adjourning the matter for a fair hearing. This is a triumph for civil rights!”
Sowore reiterated that the protest will hold as scheduled, insisting that it will remain peaceful and lawful, aimed solely at demanding compliance with judicial pronouncements concerning Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
Protest as a Test of Nigeria’s Democratic Strength
The upcoming #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest is seen by many as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic resilience — a moment to gauge the government’s tolerance for dissent, dialogue, and peaceful assembly.
Civil rights groups, including the Take It Back Movement, have emphasized that the demonstration is not anti-government but a call for rule of law, justice, and respect for court decisions.
Observers say the Federal High Court’s ruling has restored some level of balance in the ongoing debate between security imperatives and civic freedoms — a dynamic that continues to define Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
Conclusion
As Nigerians await Monday’s protest, both sides — activists and security agencies — are expected to act with restraint, maturity, and respect for the rule of law. The court’s decision stands as a reminder that constitutional freedoms remain sacrosanct, even in the face of national security concerns.
The coming days will determine whether this peaceful movement becomes a milestone for justice or another flashpoint in Nigeria’s long struggle for democratic accountability.
Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Publisher: Global Egberi Media International
🌐 Website: https://globalegberi.blogspot.com
📧 Email: globalegberimedia@gmail.com
📞 Nigeria: +234 813 490 2214
Tags: #FreeNnamdiKanuNow #FederalHighCourt #OmoyeleSowore #JusticeMGUmar #NigeriaPoliceForce #RuleOfLaw #CivilRights #AbujaProtest #Egbetokun #HumanRights #GlobalEgberiMedia
Facebook Caption:
⚖️ Breaking: Federal High Court Approves #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest!
Justice M.G. Umar rules in favor of peaceful assembly, while restricting protesters from Aso Rock Villa and National Assembly.
Sowore hails the ruling as a victory for democracy and civil rights.
✍️ Report by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
📍 Read full story on Global Egberi Media International Blog.
Source: Sahara Reporters / Global Egberi Media International Research Desk
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment