The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused the Nigeria Police Force’s attempt to halt the “Free Nnamdi KanuNow” protest, allowing the demonstration to go ahead as planned on Monday, October 20, 2025.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had filed an ex parte motion through police lawyers to preemptively stop activist and protest organiser, Omoyele Sowore, from leading the planned rally at the Aso Rock Villa.

However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court declined the application, insisting that the police formally serve Sowore with notice and adjourning the case until Tuesday for a full hearing.

Reacting to the ruling, Sowore described the judgment as a victory for civil liberties. In a statement on his X handle on Friday, he said, “The IG of Police dispatched lawyers to stop the Free Nnamdi KanuNow protest at Aso Rock Villa. The judge, however, refused to grant the motion, ordering that I be served notice and adjourning the case for proper hearing on Tuesday.”

The protest, organised under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, seeks to draw attention to the prolonged detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Sowore assured that the rally would be conducted peacefully and within the law.

Security analysts say the police move was likely an attempt to use the courts to prevent a potentially sensitive gathering near the seat of power. With the adjournment to Tuesday, the planned Monday protest is not legally restrained, setting the stage for a potential face-off between demonstrators and security agencies.

The outcome of the Tuesday hearing will determine the next legal steps regarding the protest.