Court Restrains Protests Near Key Government Institutions
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a court order that restricts the activities of several individuals and groups planning to protest for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, a leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The court’s decision prohibits these protesters from staging any demonstrations near the presidential villa, Aso Rock, as well as other critical national institutions.
The judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, issued the order after considering a motion on notice filed by the police on behalf of the Federal Government. The ruling specifically bars Omoyele Sowore, a politician and online publisher, along with his associates, from protesting in areas such as Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way. This restriction is in place until the court hears the motion on notice.
In a certified true copy of the enrolled order, signed on Saturday, Justice Umar emphasized that the respondents are restrained from protesting in those specific areas. The court also set a deadline for the respondents to respond to the application on notice, which is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, at 9:00 am. The order was served on the respondents on Friday, October 17, 2025.
The case involves multiple parties, including Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, Sahara Reporters’ Media Foundation, Take It Back Movement (TIB), and any other organization or individual acting under similar intentions. Sowore, who ran as a presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (ACC) in 2019 and 2023, had announced plans for a protest to pressure the government to release Kanu, who is currently facing terrorism charges.
The prosecution in Kanu’s case has already concluded its evidence, presenting five witnesses and various forms of evidence, including video and audio recordings of Kanu’s activities as an IPOB leader. On October 16, the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, read the final part of the report in open court after confirming that Agabi, Kanu’s defense lawyer, had received and reviewed the medical examination report conducted by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
The report indicated that Kanu’s health issues were not life-threatening, and he was fit to continue with his trial. Agabi confirmed that he had read the report and shared it with his team, stating that the defense had no objections to the findings. In response, Justice Omotosho granted an accelerated hearing and adjourned the trial for six consecutive days to allow the defense to present its case.
The judge requested Agabi and Awomolo, another defense lawyer, to agree on dates for the commencement of the defendant’s case. They suggested October 23 as the starting date. Before adjourning, Justice Omotosho approved an oral application by Agabi for private consultation between Kanu and his legal team outside the Department of State Services (DSS) premises. Agabi expressed concerns that the DSS might secretly tap or record their conversations with Kanu.
Justice Omotosho agreed to the request, allowing the private meeting to take place within the courtroom, where only Kanu and his lawyers would be present. Agabi chose October 22 as the date to begin the defense, and the court ordered the consultation to occur between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm on that day. The trial will resume on October 23.
Police Warn Protesters to Comply with Court Order
The Nigeria Police Force has urged all groups planning protests in Abuja to respect the court order restricting demonstrations near key government institutions. In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the police emphasized that the court order issued on October 17 by Judge M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 remains binding and enforceable.
According to the police, the court has restricted Sowore and others from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way. The force called on all groups involved, whether supporting or opposing the agitation for Kanu’s release, to comply with the court order. Any attempt to defy the order could result in punitive measures.
The police warned that individuals or groups using protests as a cover for inciting violence, carrying offensive weapons, vandalizing property, kidnapping, or engaging in acts likely to cause loss of life would face decisive action. The statement reiterated that while citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and expression, these rights must be exercised responsibly and within the law, especially when public safety and national security are at stake.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed the FCT Commissioner of Police to strictly enforce the court order and ensure visible deployments across identified flashpoints in the capital city. Offenders would face prosecution under criminal laws related to public order, violent conduct, and terrorism. The police also cautioned against using social media to incite unrest, warning that digital evidence would be used in investigations and court proceedings.
The police assured Abuja residents of adequate security arrangements to protect lives and property and urged people not participating in the protest to go about their lawful activities without fear.
