Sowore Vows to Challenge Court Order Barring Abuja #FreeNnamdiKanu Protests

Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has vowed to legally challenge the interim order issued by a Federal High Court in Abuja that bars the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in key areas of the Federal Capital Territory.

Despite the court order and a warning from the Nigeria Police, Sowore insisted on Saturday that the demonstration, scheduled for October 20, will proceed as a peaceful and lawful march.

The court order, issued on October 17, 2025, by Justice M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others), restrains the respondents and any group acting on their behalf from protesting around:

* Aso Rock Villa

* National Assembly Complex

* Force Headquarters

* Court of Appeal

* Eagle Square

* Shehu Shagari Way

In his reaction on his verified X handle, Sowore questioned the motivations behind the court order, pointing out the perceived “hypocrisy” and “double standards” of the police.

He noted that the police had not sought a similar court order against groups who, according to him, have been protesting freely for three consecutive days to oppose Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

Sowore revealed that his legal team, comprising 115 lawyers, would formally challenge the court order once they are officially served on Monday. He maintained that the planned October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest would go ahead.