Court Deals Blow to Police: Clears Way for ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu Now’ Protest at Aso Rock Gate

The court’s decision effectively greenlights the protest, which is being spearheaded by fiery activist Omoyele Sowore, to take place near Aso Rock Villa—the symbolic heart of Nigeria’s political power.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had earlier deployed a team of legal officers to file an ex parte motion seeking to stop Sowore and his supporters from holding the demonstration, citing potential threats to public peace and national security.

However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court stood firm, rejecting the police’s plea to issue a blanket ban on the protest without first hearing from Sowore. Instead, the judge directed that the activist be formally served with notice of the suit and adjourned the matter until Tuesday, October 21, for proper hearing.

Legal observers described the ruling as a triumph for the rule of law and a strong statement in defense of freedom of expression and assembly, both guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

Reacting swiftly to the verdict, Sowore hailed the decision as a “victory for civil liberties” and vowed that the demonstration would go ahead as planned.

> “The IGP sent police lawyers to sue me in an effort to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday,” Sowore wrote on his 𝕏 handle (formerly Twitter). “But the judge refused to grant their ex parte motion, ordering them instead to serve me notice and fixing the hearing for Tuesday. The protest will proceed peacefully — it’s our constitutional right.”

The protest, organized under the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow banner, seeks to highlight the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose prolonged incarceration has remained a flashpoint for tensions across the South-East and among human rights advocates.

Analysts believe the police’s failed attempt to use the courts to halt the protest underscores growing friction between the government and pro-democracy activists amid rising calls for accountability and respect for due process.

With the court refusing to impose any immediate restrictions, the stage is now set for a potentially tense Monday showdown near the Presidential Villa, as Sowore’s supporters mobilize nationwide to demand Kanu’s release.

While security agencies are expected to maintain a heavy presence around the protest venue, Sowore insists that the rally will remain peaceful, lawful, and symbolic — a test of Nigeria’s democracy and its commitment to constitutional freedoms.