A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining Omoyele Sowore and other activists from organising or participating in the planned October 20 protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Naijaonpoint reports that the order follows an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government, represented by the Nigeria Police Force, seeking to prevent the demonstration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a ruling delivered by Justice M.G. Umar, the court prohibited Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and “persons unknown” from participating in, organising, or promoting the protest.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/2202/2025, resulted in a significant setback for activists planning the demonstration.
Confirming the court’s decision, Sowore, a former presidential candidate, expressed his dismay on social media, alleging that the order was granted in chambers after the judge had previously declined to approve the same request in open court.
“After initially declining to grant an ex parte motion to stop our planned protest in open court, the judge reportedly granted it in chambers, imposing a ban on protests at Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, and the Unity Fountain in Abuja,” Sowore said in his post on 𝕏.
Meanwhile, the United States has issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to avoid the protest locations in the FCT. The warning comes as tensions rise surrounding the planned demonstration.
The protest, which gained significant momentum online, was originally organised to demand the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The demonstration had received endorsement from various political figures, including a former Vice President and a former Senate President, further increasing its profile.
Organisers had vowed to march to Aso Rock Villa, the seat of presidential power, to press their demands.
In its application, the Federal Government argued that the planned protest could lead to a breach of public peace and security. The government requested the court’s intervention to prevent potential unrest before the demonstration took place.
Background On Nnamdi Kanu’s Case
Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021, facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony. His troubles began in October 2015, when he was arrested after returning from the United Kingdom.
He was granted bail in April 2017 on health grounds, but fled the country after a military invasion of his home in Abia State.
Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya in June 2021 and extradited to Nigeria. The Federal High Court in April 2022 struck out eight of the charges against him, but the Court of Appeal ordered his immediate release later that year. However, the Supreme Court reversed this decision in December 2023, allowing the Federal Government to continue his trial.
Kanu’s continued detention has sparked widespread public outrage and calls for his release. The October 20 protest, aimed at drawing attention to his case, was the latest in a series of actions aimed at securing his freedom, but it has now been halted by the court’s ruling.
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