Nigerian govt files suit to stop #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest

The Federal Government has taken legal action to stop a planned protest led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, which is scheduled for October 20, 2025.

Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the suit seeks an order restraining Sowore and three others from organising or participating in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration calling for the release of detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu.

According to court documents marked FHC/ABJ/2202/2025, the government’s application—filed by counsel Wisdom Madaki—requested an interim injunction to halt the planned march.

However, Justice M.G. Umar of Federal High Court 5 declined to grant the ex parte motion. Instead, the court directed that Sowore and the other respondents be served notice of the suit and adjourned the hearing to October 21, a day after the proposed protest date.

Sowore, a well-known pro-democracy advocate, has been at the forefront of campaigns demanding Kanu’s release. Kanu leads the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and remains in custody facing treason charges.

Recently, Sowore announced plans for what he described as a “historic” protest march to Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, starting at 7 a.m. on October 20. The campaign, widely promoted under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, has attracted support from both political figures and ordinary citizens.

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Sowore also met with former President Goodluck Jonathan, who acknowledged the urgency of resolving Kanu’s detention and promised to discuss the issue with President Bola Tinubu.

In addition, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar endorsed the campaign after being approached by Sowore to support the protest movement.

In his recent statements, Sowore vowed to take the campaign beyond political spaces, saying it would reach “markets and public places” to mobilise ordinary Nigerians and raise awareness at the grassroots level.

Meanwhile, the Presidency, through spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, criticised Sowore’s mobilisation efforts, accusing him of attempting to incite disorder and undermine the rule of law. Onanuga insisted that Kanu’s ongoing prosecution must run its course, describing the protest as “anarchistic.”