The Nigeria Police Force has denied reports claiming it approached the court to stop the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, in Abuja.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hudeyin, made the clarification on Sunday following widespread media reports that the police had sought a court injunction to halt the demonstration.
Hudeyin, in a statement shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, emphasized that the police had no intention of restricting citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“It is an inalienable right of Nigerians to protest, and we did not approach the court to stop these gatherings,” Hudeyin stated.
He also dismissed claims that the court had adjourned the case to Tuesday, describing such reports as “one-sided” and lacking in proper investigation.
Earlier, several media outlets reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected an alleged application by the police to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest initiated by activist and African Action Congress founder, Omoyele Sowore. The court was said to have ruled that the planned protest could proceed as long as it remained peaceful.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Sowore hailed the ruling as a victory for civil liberties, accusing the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of attempting to use legal channels to suppress dissent.
“The IG of Police dispatched police lawyers to sue me, in an effort to halt the FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday,” Sowore alleged.
However, the police spokesperson refuted this claim, insisting that the Force had not filed any suit or taken steps to prevent the protest.
The clarification comes amid heightened anticipation and growing security presence in Abuja as organizers finalize plans for the peaceful march, which aims to demand the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu has been in custody since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021 and is currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Authorities have advised demonstrators to maintain peace and order during the protest, while residents have been urged to avoid large gatherings and potential flashpoints in the city.
