Sowore declares #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest unstoppable amid police court order dispute
Omoyele Sowore
Abdullateef Fowewe
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore insists the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest remains “sacrosanct,” challenging the Nigeria Police Force’s claim of a court order restricting protests near Aso Rock Villa.
Sowore responded sharply to the police statement, “I’m glad to see that the Nigeria @PoliceNG have finally shown some respect for the constitutional right to freedom of assembly and protest. The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable.
“Our legal team of 115 lawyers will challenge any alleged court order the moment we are served on Monday.
“But let it be known that nothing can stop this mass movement. October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully.”
The Nigeria Police Force issued a statement Saturday urging groups to respect a Federal High Court order dated October 17, 2025, restraining protests around key government areas, including Aso Rock Villa.
The statement emphasised, “The Nigeria Police Force recognises and respects the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression. However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law, particularly where public safety, national security, and the rights of other citizens are concerned.”
Police warned that any violent acts, vandalism, or breach of the court order would lead to arrests and prosecution, with the Inspector-General of Police directing strict enforcement.
Sowore also alleged that despite the police chief’s absence abroad, “credible sources indicate he instructed the new Commissioner of Police for the FCT to adopt a heavy-handed approach to tomorrow’s peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march.”
He called on police officers to “uphold their oath of allegiance to Nigerians” and warned of repercussions for excessive force.
He further contested the legitimacy of the police’s court order, stating, “There is no valid court order restricting the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest from Aso Rock Villa. The so-called order… was never served on the named defendants or organizers.
“Under Nigerian law, an ex parte order that is not served within the required timeframe expires automatically. The people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest remains intact and unstoppable.”
