Court Restrains Sowore, Groups from Holding October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja

Court Restrains Sowore, Groups from Holding October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction stopping activist Omoyele Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and others from holding or participating in the planned October 20 protest calling for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Justice M.G. Umar granted the order following an ex parte application by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force, which argued that the planned protest posed a threat to public peace and national security within the Federal Capital Territory.

The court specifically barred the organisers from staging or promoting demonstrations around Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, and Unity Fountain in Abuja.

Reacting to the development, Sowore alleged that the injunction was granted “in chambers” after the same request was earlier rejected in open court. “After initially rejecting the motion to stop our protest in open court, the judge reportedly granted it in chambers,” Sowore wrote on his social media, describing the decision as an attempt to suppress dissent.

The planned #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, scheduled for Monday, October 20, had gained widespread support online and received endorsements 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 Department of State Services (DSS) custody.

Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021 on charges of terrorism and treasonable felony, has continued to receive nationwide calls for release as his legal battle drags on.

Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to its citizens ahead of the planned demonstration, warning of potential violence and traffic disruptions in areas including the Central Business District and Eagle Square. The embassy advised its nationals to avoid protest zones, limit movement, and maintain a low profile throughout Monday.