The Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning to all protest groups in Abuja, urging them to obey a recent court order restricting demonstrations in high-security areas of the Federal Capital Territory.
The directive follows a ruling by Justice M.G. Umar on October 17, 2025, in the case Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore and four others, which bars protests around key government locations, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order while respecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
“In line with the court’s directive and our constitutional duty, all groups—whether in support of or opposed to the call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release—must adhere strictly to the court order,” Hundeyin said.
He added that the directive remains valid until further judicial action and warned that anyone caught inciting violence, destroying property, or carrying weapons would be arrested and prosecuted.
The Force also cautioned that digital evidence will be used to track individuals who use social media to promote violence or unrest.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has reportedly directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and other commands to enforce the order with visible security deployments around sensitive locations.
“The Court’s intervention is not to suppress rights but to safeguard public order,” Hundeyin added, urging all protesters to avoid restricted areas and act responsibly.
Sowore Rejects Court Order Claim
However, activist Omoyele Sowore has dismissed the police claim of a valid court order stopping the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore argued that there is “no valid court order” restricting the demonstration, insisting that any ex parte order not properly served becomes invalid.
“There’s nothing to defy, no binding restriction, and no valid injunction. The people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly remains intact,” he wrote.
Sowore accused the police of double standards, saying no similar restrictions were placed on groups who held counter-protests for three days. He also revealed that a team of over 100 lawyers would be on standby to challenge any such court order if served.
“Our legal team will challenge any alleged court order immediately. Nothing can stop this mass movement,” he said.
He urged security agencies to respect citizens’ rights and avoid using excessive force, warning that any form of brutality would be met with accountability.
“Nigerians have endured too much. Any unlawful arrests or violence will not go unnoticed,” he added.
