The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order stopping activist Omoyele Sowore and several others from organising or taking part in the planned October 20 protest seeking the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The order followed an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Police Force, to prevent the protest from taking place in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In his ruling, Justice M. G. Umar restrained Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and “persons unknown” from organising, promoting, or participating in the planned demonstration. The case is registered as FHC/ABJ/2202/2025.
Sowore confirmed the court’s decision on his social media page, alleging that the order was granted in chambers after the judge had initially declined to issue it during an open court session.
According to him, the injunction prohibits protests around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, and the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
The activist and several civil society groups had earlier announced plans to hold the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest on Monday, October 20, to demand Kanu’s release from Department of State Services (DSS) custody. The planned demonstration had gained online support from various political figures, including a former vice president and a former senate president.
Organisers had intended to march to Aso Rock to push for Kanu’s release. However, the Federal Government argued in its application that the protest could threaten public peace and security, urging the court to intervene beforehand.
Background on Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention
Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021, facing charges related to terrorism and treasonable felony. He was first arrested in October 2015 upon his return from the United Kingdom and later released on bail in April 2017 for health reasons.
His trial was disrupted later that year after a military raid on his residence in Afara Ukwu Ibeku, Abia State, which reportedly led to several deaths among his supporters. Following the incident, Kanu fled the country but was re-arrested in Kenya in June 2021 and brought back to Nigeria through extraordinary rendition.
In April 2022, the Federal High Court dismissed eight of the 15 charges against him for lack of merit. The Court of Appeal subsequently ordered his release in October 2022, but the Supreme Court overturned that decision in December 2023, allowing his prosecution to continue.
His continued detention has triggered widespread public concern and renewed calls for his release, culminating in the now-suspended protest.
US Embassy Issues Security Warning
Ahead of the planned protest, the United States Embassy in Abuja issued a security alert advising its citizens to stay away from protest locations.
In a statement posted on its official website on Friday, the embassy warned that the protest might cause traffic disruptions, roadblocks, and potential clashes between security forces and demonstrators, particularly around Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
The embassy urged US citizens to avoid large gatherings, limit movement within Abuja, and maintain a low profile in public areas such as malls, cinemas, and places of worship. It also advised parents to keep their children at home and encouraged domestic workers coming from outside the city to remain indoors on that day.
The embassy further stated that its consular services in Abuja and Lagos remain open, urging Americans in Nigeria to follow updates through its official website: https://ng.usembassy.gov.
