As several groups set to commence the planned October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, an imminent clash with security agencies looms, as the Nigeria Police Force has warned that all protesters in Abuja must stay off the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, and other designated areas as proscribed by the Federal High Court order last week.
It would be recalled that while an Abuja court, presided over by Justice M.G. Umar, declined the request to stop the group from protesting, it however, in a ruling delivered on October 17, 2025, restrained protests around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
The Police therefore warned that protesters must comply with the court’s ruling in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore and four others.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who gave the warning in a statement on Sunday, reaffirmed the Police’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The statement read:
“In deference to the authority of the Court and in line with the constitutional mandate of the Police to enforce law and order, the Force hereby calls on all groups, whether in support of or opposed to the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order.
“The directive remains binding and enforceable pending further judicial proceedings.”
The Monday (today) protest, which is being coordinated by rights activist Omoyele Sowore, is in support of the long-standing call for the release of detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021 after his extradition from Kenya.
The detained IPOB leader is currently facing charges of treason and terrorism, and the case has suffered multiple adjournments at various sittings.
The Police spokesperson insisted that the order remains binding and enforceable pending further judicial proceedings and urged all groups to comply.
The statement maintained that while citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression are recognised, “they must be exercised responsibly.
“The Court’s intervention is a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms. Accordingly, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order.
“The Force will ensure the free flow of traffic, protection of lives and property, and security of all law-abiding citizens.”
The Force warned that anyone found inciting violence, carrying weapons, vandalising property, or engaging in acts capable of causing harm would be arrested and prosecuted. It also said digital evidence will be used “to investigate social media incitement.”
This is even as the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and other operational commands to strictly enforce the order, with visible deployments at vulnerable locations to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, convener of the protest and activist, Omoyele Sowore, has declared that the protest will go ahead with its original programmes, rejecting the Police’s claim of a valid court order restricting the planned demonstration.
Sowore, who reacted to the Police warning through his X account, claimed that there was no valid court order restricting the planned protest.
He said the alleged order has no legal effect, stating that it was never served on the named defendants or organisers.
“There is no valid court order restricting the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest from Aso Rock Villa,” Sowore wrote.
“Under Nigerian law, an ex parte order that is not served within the required timeframe expires automatically. In other words, there is nothing to defy, no binding restriction, no valid injunction. The people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest remains intact and unstoppable.”
“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable,” he said.
He, however, said his team of over 115 lawyers is set to challenge any court order once served.
“Our legal team will challenge any alleged court order the moment we are served on Monday. But let it be known that nothing can stop this mass movement.”
Sowore warned against the use of excessive force or unlawful arrests and urged police officers to respect citizens’ rights.
“We are calling on CP Dantawaye and every officer of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold their oath of allegiance to Nigerians, protect citizens, and respect the inalienable right to peaceful assembly.
“Any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests will attract repercussions. The Nigerian people will hold accountable those who attempt brutality swiftly. Times are changing fast, and our citizens have been taken advantage of for too long,” he said.
In a related development, the Federal Government has issued a strong warning against any attempt to attack or breach its custodial centres.
The spokesman of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Abubakar Umar, made this known in a statement on Sunday, declaring all correctional facilities across the country as “inviolable zones.”
He stated, “In light of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the public is hereby informed that all correctional centres have been designated as RED ZONES.”
Umar emphasised that correctional centres are restricted areas and warned that anyone without official business there should stay away to prevent any untoward incident or security breach.
“The Service urges all citizens to exercise caution and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for everyone. It is equally important to respect restricted areas such as correctional facilities,” he added.