Nigeria has a painful way of breaking the spirit of even its most hopeful citizens, turning optimists into pessimists, believers into unbelievers, and patriots into cynics. This old video of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in London captures that tragedy perfectly. In it, he speaks passionately about a Nigeria that could work a country of peace, justice, and security. He genuinely wanted a united and prosperous nation. But the criminals in power would not allow that vision to thrive. They saw unity and truth as threats. When he refused to be silent, they targeted him. His parents, friends, and associates were lost in the struggle; he himself was abducted, vilified, detained perpetually, and now he is undergoing a sham trial under false charges of terrorism. Yet this very video reveals that Nnamdi Kanu never set out to destroy Nigeria; he wanted to save it. But when it became clear that the ruling elite preferred corruption and division over justice and progress, he chose the dream of a free and prosperous Biafra instead. Ironically, the same Boko Haram elements he once denounced have now become kings, emperors, and billionaires, while a man who demanded accountability and national security remains in chains. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow

Sowore Regains Freedom After Four Days in Kuje Prison. Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has been released after spending four days in detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja. Sowore confirmed his release on Monday through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing: “Leaving Kuje Prison in Abuja after being detained there illegally for four days by @officialABAT illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.” The activist was arrested on October 23 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to see the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, during one of his court appearances. His arrest followed a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest outside the court, which was dispersed by police officers using tear gas and warning sh+ts. The demonstration was organized to demand the unconditional release of Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021. On October 24, the Kuje Magistrate Court granted Sowore and others arrested alongside him bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each. The court, presided over by Abubakar Umar Sai’I’d, also ordered each defendant to submit their National Identification Number (NIN), three-year tax clearance certificate, and passport as part of the bail conditions. Sowore was arraigned alongside Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. The police accused them of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace, alleging they trespassed into restricted areas during the protest. His release marks the end of a four-day detention that began with his arrest on October 23.

Omoyele Sowore and Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Released After Four Days in Kuje Prison. According to a report by Channels TV, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, representing Nnamdi Kanu, have been released from Kuje Prison after four days in detention. Their detention followed their appearance at the Kuje Magistrate Court last week in connection with the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in the Federal Capital Territory. On Friday, the court, presided over by Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id, granted bail to Sowore, Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s brother), and ten others. The defendants had been charged with unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace. Each was granted N500,000 bail, required two sureties residing in the FCT, valid identification, a three-year tax clearance, and the surrender of their passports. Following their release on Monday, Ejimakor described the detention experience as “traumatic and inhumane,” criticizing the police for the excessive use of force during and after the protest. He noted that officers deployed tear gas directly at protesters and engaged in aggressive conduct even after control had been established. Ejimakor clarified that the protest targeted the presidency and the perceived unjust prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, rather than the judiciary. He argued that any withdrawal of the case by the presidency or attorney general would leave the court with no basis to proceed.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor Collapses In Kuje Prison. Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has collapsed while in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja. This development is happening barely 24 hours after the presiding magistrate, Abubakar Umar Sai’id, allegedly refused to sign his bail bond for release. Ejimakor was said to have slumped after complaining of weakness and difficulty standing. Prison medical staff rushed to attend to him. His condition is believed to be getting worse, and authorities are considering transferring him to a hospital for urgent care. Ejimakor is among 13 individuals arrested earlier in the week during the “#FreeNnamdiKanuNow” protest. Those arrested also include Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu. They were reportedly tear-gassed, beaten, and taken into custody before being moved to the notorious SARS detention facility known as “Abattoir”. On Tuesday, they were taken to the Kuje Magistrate Court without their legal team present. The magistrate ordered their remand, and despite granting bail the following day, he allegedly disappeared without endorsing the bail documents. Human rights activists have since raised concerns over the treatment of the lawyer and others arrested, accusing security agencies of intimidation and abuse of power. However, lawyers and supporters are demanding immediate medical attention and full respect for their legal rights.

Court Grants Sowore, Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, and 11 Others Bail. A Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore; Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu; his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; and ten others, in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum. The thirteen defendants were arrested and arraigned before the court on charges of inciting public disturbance and breach of peace following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on October 20 in Abuja. While Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and the ten others were arrested during the protest and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility, Sowore was later apprehended on October 23 at the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had gone to show solidarity during Kanu’s terrorism trial. The court, after hearing the bail applications, granted all thirteen defendants temporary freedom pending further proceedings.

Sowore’s Arrest Inside Courtroom Is An Open Assault On Democracy – Atiku. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who was arrested in Abuja. Sowore was taken into custody by security officers at the Federal High Court in Abuja after meeting with detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. His arrest came just days after he organised a nationwide protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow on October 20, calling for Kanu’s unconditional release. The protest was disrupted by security agents who used teargas to scatter demonstrators. Several participants, including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel Kanu, were detained alongside others. Sowore, who initially escaped, was later arrested at the court on October 23. Reacting to the incident, Atiku, in a tweet, condemned Sowore’s arrest, describing it as a shameful attack on democracy and the rule of law. He said the move shows the government’s growing intolerance toward opposing views. He called on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and other detained protesters, stressing that citizens have the constitutional right to protest peacefully.

"We arrested Sowore in the spirit of fair play"— Police PRO Hundeyin reveals. The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reason behind the arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, stating that he was detained for allegedly violating a court order banning the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja. Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed on Thursday that Sowore was apprehended at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had reportedly led the protest calling for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. According to Hundeyin, 14 persons have so far been arrested in connection with the protest. He said Sowore’s name was mentioned by earlier detainees as the leader of the demonstration, prompting his arrest. “He was arrested in contravention of a court order. If we charge some protesters to court and leave the person who led them, that would be unfair. In the spirit of fair play and justice, Sowore was arrested today,” Hundeyin said. The police spokesman added that the activist would not be held for long and would be arraigned in court immediately, possibly within the same day. Sowore, who previously spearheaded the #RevolutionNow movement, was said to have fled the scene on Monday when other protesters were taken into custody.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother, Lawyer to remain in Prison as Police stall Bail Hearing. The bail hearing for the lawyer to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel “Fineboy” Kanu, was on Wednesday stalled at the Kuje Magistrate Court following the failure of the Nigeria Police Force to appear or file a counter affidavit. The matter, which came up before Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’I’d, was expected to determine the bail request filed on behalf of the two men and another person arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in Abuja earlier this week. However, proceedings could not go on as planned after the police failed to file their response to the bail motion or attend the session. It was gathered that Barrister Maxwell Opara, counsel to the defendants, approached the court registrar to inquire about the delay, only to be informed that the motion for bail was not listed for hearing. Magistrate Sai’I’d, who had previously assured that the application would be given prompt attention once the police were properly served, stated that his hands were tied due to the procedural lapses caused by the police’s absence and failure to respond. According to court sources, the police initially evaded service of the bail motion before eventually acknowledging receipt. The Magistrate had at the last sitting directed that the process be fast-tracked to ensure fairness to the accused persons, who have been in detention since their arrest. Ejimakor, a well-known legal representative for Nnamdi Kanu, and Fineboy Kanu, were arrested alongside others during a peaceful protest in Abuja demanding the release of the IPOB leader, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021. The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, was reportedly disrupted by security operatives, leading to several arrests.

Court remands Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother, Ejimakor, others in Kuje Prison. A magistrate court sitting in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ordered the remand of Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, alongside his legal counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor. Their remand followed their participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which took place on Monday in Abuja. Confirming the development, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Kanuta Kanu, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the court session on Tuesday, described the action as a “conspiracy among the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial scheduled for Thursday.” According to court documents shared by former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the police arraigned Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others on charges bordering on incitement and breach of public peace. The charge sheet alleged that the accused persons violated a court order by staging a protest that disrupted public movement, obstructed traffic, and chanted songs calling for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu. The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, had earlier disclosed on a live television programme that those arrested during the protest would face prosecution after investigation. Both Ejimakor and Kanu’s brother have now been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

#FreeNnamdiKanu: APC Came To Power Through Protests, Now Scared Of Protests – Wabara Fumes. Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has called for the immediate release of all protesters arrested in Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration in Abuja. Speaking via a statement on Tuesday, Wabara condemned the action of some security operatives who fired teargas canisters at peaceful protesters. He urged President Bola Tinubu to call the security operatives to order, describing the intimidation and arrest of peaceful protesters as “a serious dent on Nigeria’s global image.” The elder statesman also frowned at the alleged manhandling of a journalist covering the protest whose camera was reportedly broken by some overzealous security operatives. According to the former Senate President, the arrest of Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor; among others, will only aggravate the already tensed situation in the South East. Senator Wabara who argued that “it is the fundamental right of citizens to hold peaceful protest”, said the police are required to provide protection for protesters, and not to clamp down on them. Citing the ongoing ‘No King Protest’ involving about 7 million people in the United States of America, “where there are no incidents of molestation or brutality”, Senator Wabara challenged the Nigeria security operatives to learn from their US counterparts. The former Senate President accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC-led, federal government which he said, “is a product of protests”, of using intimidation and brute force against dissenting voices.

Police Deny Shooting Sowore, Others During Protest In Abuja. The Nigeria Police Force has denied claims that its operatives fired live bullets at protesters in Abuja during the #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration led by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore on Monday. The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said it was only teargas that was fired. He added that people who are not familiar with the sound can mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition as both make the same popping, explosion-like sound. Hundeyin, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night, added that the Police only fired tear gas after the protesters refused to leave the areas where the court had already prohibited their demonstrations. “I can say it authoritatively that no live ammunition was fired today. Not a single live ammunition. “It is easy for people who are not familiar with the sound to mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition. It makes the same popping, explosion-like sound. I can say it on good authority that no live ammunition was shot. “We made it clear that we were going to enforce this court order. We gave enough warning to these people to step back and not go beyond where they were, but they were adamant and they were approaching these areas,” he said. The Force PRO added that the officers acted within the provisions of the law and established procedures to ensure public safety.

Sowore Alleges Security Operatives Fired Gunshots, Tear Gas at #FreeNnamdiKanu Protesters. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused Nigerian security operatives of opening fire and releasing tear gas on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja. Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore claimed that the protest had barely begun in front of the Transcorp Hilton when security forces arrived in large numbers and launched an unprovoked attack. “There were about 10 trucks that arrived as soon as we started the protest. There was no provocation on our part, like we had promised, it was an orderly and peaceful protest,” he said. “Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us, tear gas, some live bullets were f+red. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit with live bullets, but they were just shooting all around us. Eventually, they did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten, and his lawyer was also arrested and beaten. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command,” Sowore added. He alleged that a combined team of police, army, and civil defence personnel carried out the operation but confirmed that none of his team members was hit by live rounds. The protest, led by Sowore, went ahead despite a court injunction restricting demonstrations around Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Eagle Square. Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before being dispersed by the gunfire and tear gas. Security was heavy across central Abuja, with roads barricaded and Unity Fountain sealed off. Witnesses also reported security forces firing tear gas near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako, scattering a nearby crowd. Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in custody as his trial on terrorism charges continues. Sowore has described his prolonged detention as “a sham designed to obstruct justice.”

Sowore resumes #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest In Abuja after Police Attacks. Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday resumed the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, hours after police operatives violently dispersed an earlier demonstration at the Transcorp Hilton and Maitama areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Sowore, joined by clergymen, civil society activists, and members of pro-democracy groups, returned to the streets in defiance of what he described as “a brutal and unlawful attempt to silence peaceful citizens.” The protesters, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, marched through parts of the Central Business District and Eagle Square, demanding the immediate release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Earlier in the day, the protest had turned chaotic when heavily armed police officers fired several rounds of tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters and Transcorp Hilton. Videos from the scene showed people running in panic as gunfire echoed through the streets. Despite the chaos, Sowore and several protesters regrouped later in the afternoon, vowing not to be intimidated. Addressing reporters, the activist condemned the police for what he called “an assault on democracy and a violation of the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.”

Nnamdi Kanu: Umuahia locked down as shops, schools, banks close. Abia State capital on Monday was totally locked down as residents decided to withdraw from their daily businesses and operations in solidarity with the #FreeNnamdiKanu march being championed by rights activist Omoleye Sowore. The roads were virtually empty except for the occasional movement of tricycles and a few vehicles. Economic and commercial activities were totally paralysed as shops, markets, banks, petrol stations, motor parks did not open for business. Similarly, schools, both private and public, did not open for studies. It was gathered that some of the schools had, over the weekend, sent messages to parents asking them not to bring their children and wards to school on Monday because of the #FreeKanu protest. A convoy of joint security patrol vans was sighted along Uwakala Road, probably monitoring the situation. Traders at the popular Isigate market did not show up for business, as their wares and tables were all covered. Most of the major streets, including Post Office/Abia Tower Junction, FMC/Bank Road Junction, and Umuahia, visited by our correspondent, were a ghost of themselves.

Protesters Defy Court Order, Vow to Storm Presidential Villa. According to report by Punch on Monday, October 20, 2025, tensions are mounting in Abuja as security forces prepare for a possible confrontation with #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters, who plan to march to the Presidential Villa today (Monday) to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This comes despite an interim injunction by the Federal High Court in Abuja restricting demonstrations near sensitive government areas, including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Force Headquarters. The organisers, led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and the Take It Back Movement, have vowed to proceed with what they describe as a peaceful protest, both in Abuja and across the South-East. Damilare Adenola, the group’s Director of Mobilisation, maintained that the march is a constitutional right and a stand against the government’s “illegal and inhumane” actions. Kanu remains in detention facing charges of terrorism, treason, and incitement. His 2021 re-arrest in Kenya and extradition to Nigeria continue to spark legal and political debates. While critics view his detention as politically motivated, the government insists it is lawful prosecution. The protest’s timing, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS demonstrations, has heightened government anxiety. Organisers, however, insist that they have informed the police and expect them to provide security rather than clamp down on protesters. Over 115 lawyers, medical staff, and journalists have been mobilised nationwide to support the march. The movement has received broad political support, with opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi backing calls for Kanu’s release and urging dialogue instead of repression.

U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert Ahead of #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja. The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security advisory to its citizens ahead of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, in the Federal Capital Territory. In a statement released on Friday, the Embassy warned that the demonstration could cause disruptions, roadblocks, and possible violence. It urged Americans in Abuja to avoid protest zones and limit movement across the city. “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu Now’ protest is expected to take place on Monday, October 20th, 2025. There may be traffic congestion, road closures, and potential confrontations between protesters and police near Eagle Square and the Central Business District,” the statement read. The embassy also advised residents to take extra precautions, recommending that children stay home from school and domestic workers who travel from outside Abuja not report to work that day. The alert follows the announcement by activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, who disclosed on October 9 via X (formerly Twitter) that the peaceful protest would be held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. Sowore described the planned demonstration as a “historic” call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu has been in custody since June 2021 after his controversial extradition from Kenya and is currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Court Stops Sowore, Others from Holding October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja. A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining activist Omoyele Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and others from organising or participating in the planned October 20 protest demanding the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The order, issued by Justice M.G. Umar, followed an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force, which argued that the planned demonstration could threaten public peace and national security within the Federal Capital Territory. The court specifically barred the respondents from staging or promoting any protest around the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, and Unity Fountain in Abuja. Sowore, however, alleged that the order was granted “in chambers” after the same request had earlier been declined in open court. “After initially rejecting the motion to stop our protest in open court, the judge reportedly granted it in chambers,” he wrote on his social media page, calling the move an attempt to silence dissent. The #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, scheduled for Monday, October 20, had gained traction online and received endorsement from several political figures, including a former Vice President and a former Senate President. Organisers had vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Kanu, who has been detained since June 2021 on charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony, has continued to attract widespread calls for release amid a lengthy legal battle. Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to its citizens ahead of the planned demonstration, warning of potential v+olence and traffic disruptions in the Central Business District, Eagle Square, and surrounding areas. The embassy advised its nationals to avoid protest zones, limit movement, and maintain a low profile throughout Monday.

Sowore: No Court Order Stopping #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has denied reports that the Federal High Court in Abuja stopped the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest set to hold on Monday, October 20, 2025. In a post on his X handle, Sowore said there is no court order stopping Nigerians from protesting peacefully. He accused the police and some media outlets of spreading false information to discourage people from joining the rally. According to him, the court did not grant any order to ban the protest. Instead, Justice Umar refused a police request to stop it, saying the case should first be heard properly before any decision is made. Sowore wrote: “The Federal High Court in Abuja has not stopped the proposed #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. The so-called ‘court order’ being circulated was secretly obtained by police lawyers and has not even been served on anyone. It only mentioned that protesters should avoid places like Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.” He added that the protest will still go ahead, saying the movement is “unstoppable.” “The protest date is sacrosanct; the movement is unstoppable,” he declared. The Federal High Court in Abuja recently rejected a police bid to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. Justice Umar ruled that the police must first serve the defendants before any hearing, thereby allowing the planned rally to proceed. Meanwhile, Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing trial has also recorded fresh developments. A court-appointed medical panel recently confirmed that the detained IPOB leader is fit to stand trial, with the matter adjourned to October 23 for the commencement of his defense and October 30 set as the deadline to close it.

Court Bans #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest Around Aso Rock, National Assembly. A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining Omoyele Sowore and other activists from organising or participating in the planned October 20 protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Naija News reports that the order follows an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government, represented by the Nigeria Police Force, seeking to prevent the demonstration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a ruling delivered by Justice M.G. Umar, the court prohibited Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and “persons unknown” from participating in, organising, or promoting the protest. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/2202/2025, resulted in a significant setback for activists planning the demonstration. Confirming the court’s decision, Sowore, a former presidential candidate, expressed his dismay on social media, alleging that the order was granted in chambers after the judge had previously declined to approve the same request in open court. “After initially declining to grant an ex parte motion to stop our planned protest in open court, the judge reportedly granted it in chambers, imposing a ban on protests at Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, and the Unity Fountain in Abuja,” Sowore said in his post on . Meanwhile, the United States has issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to avoid the protest locations in the FCT. The warning comes as tensions rise surrounding the planned demonstration. The protest, which gained significant momentum online, was originally organised to demand the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Court Rejects Police’s Bid To Stop ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu Now’ Protest. The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled against the Nigeria Police Force’s request to prevent the “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest, allowing the demonstration to go ahead as planned on Monday, October 20, 2025. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had dispatched lawyers to file an ex parte motion to stop Omoyele Sowore, the protest organiser and activist, from holding the demonstration near Aso Rock Villa, the seat of Nigeria’s government. However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court refused to grant the motion, which sought to immediately halt the protest without hearing Sowore’s side of the argument. Instead, the judge directed the police to serve Sowore with formal notice of their application and adjourned the case until Tuesday for a proper hearing. In response to the court’s decision, Omoyele Sowore called it a victory for civil liberties and reaffirmed his commitment to going ahead with the protest. In a statement posted on his 𝕏 handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Sowore said, “IG of PoliceNG Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me, in an effort to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday. However, the judge, Justice Umar of Federal High Court in Abuja, refused to grant the ex parte motion, instead instructing him to serve me notice and adjourning the case until Tuesday for a proper hearing.” The protest, organized under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is intended to draw attention to the prolonged detention and legal fate of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The police’s attempt to halt the protest using the courts was seen as an effort to prevent what could be a highly sensitive demonstration near Nigeria’s seat of power.