The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has urged #FreeNnamdiKanu protesters and other groups to adhere to a recent court ruling limiting demonstrations in certain areas of Abuja, cautioning that any effort to disturb public order will be met with decisive action.
On October 17, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja, with Justice M.G. Umar presiding, issued the order in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others.
The ruling barred the respondents and their associates from staging protests in and around key government sites, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, the Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
In a statement on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) CSP Benjamin Hundeyin affirmed that the police remain committed to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding public safety, while also respecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
“The Court’s intervention serves as a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms,” the statement read.
CSP Hundeyin called on all groups, both supporting and opposing the ongoing campaign for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release, to act responsibly and within the limits of the law.
The Force further warned protesters and counter-protesters to stay away from restricted areas and refrain from any actions that could incite confrontation or disturb public order.
The statement added that security personnel have been deployed at strategic points across the Federal Capital Territory to ensure smooth traffic flow, protect lives and property, and maintain peace.
The police also warned that anyone using protests as a cover for violence, carrying weapons, vandalizing property, or committing criminal acts would face arrest and prosecution under applicable laws.
“Individuals who incite unrest through social media or other platforms would also be tracked using digital evidence,” the statement added.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has instructed the FCT Commissioner of Police and other operational commands to enforce the court order and ensure the safety of residents and lawful activities in the capital.
“The Force advised all organisers and participants to avoid restricted zones, refrain from carrying weapons or engaging in provocative acts, and channel grievances through lawful avenues.
“It further assured law-abiding citizens that adequate security arrangements are in place, urging residents to go about their normal activities without fear,” the statement concluded.
This comes days after the United States Mission in Nigeria warned Americans in Abuja to plan their movements ahead of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protests scheduled for Monday, October 20, citing the potential for violence in the capital.
In a statement posted on its website on Friday, the Embassy warned that the protest could result in disruptions.
Opinions have been divided over the protest advocating for the release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), organized by Omoyele Sowore.
One opposing group, the Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum (NNYLF), rejected the planned protest, calling it a “desperate move” by politicians out of touch with the challenges facing Nigerian youths.
The embassy urged US citizens to avoid protest areas and minimize travel across the city.
“The US Embassy in Abuja informs US citizens that the Free Nnamdi Kanu Now protest has called for peaceful demonstrations on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Abuja.
“There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
“The Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to avoid this area and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20th,” the statement read in part.
The embassy advised that children remain home from school and that domestic staff commuting from outside Abuja should not report to work on that day.
“The Embassy recommends children in Abuja stay home from school and domestic staff who travel from outside of Abuja to stay home as well,” it added.
It also urged all Americans in Nigeria to exercise heightened security precautions.
Sowore has stated that the protest is scheduled for October 20 and will be directed toward the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
He described it as a “historic” and peaceful demonstration intended to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed IPOB.
Kanu, currently facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been in custody since June 2021 after his controversial rendition from Kenya.