The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has cautioned all groups planning to stage demonstrations in Abuja to strictly adhere to a subsisting court order restricting protests within designated high-security zones of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It was said that the warning follows a ruling by Justice M.G Umar of the Federal High Court, delivered on 17 October 2025 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Omoyele Sowore, and others.
The order bars protests around key locations including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
In a statement issued on Sunday, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the Force remains committed to upholding the rule of law while safeguarding public peace.
"In deference to the authority of the Court and in line with the constitutional mandate of the Police to enforce law and order, the Force hereby calls on all groups, whether in support of or opposed to the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order," the statement read.
The planned protest, scheduled for Monday, 20 October 2025, is being organised by activists demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody since his 2021 extradition from Kenya and is currently facing terrorism charges.
While affirming citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression, Hundeyin stressed that such rights "must be exercised responsibly," adding that the court’s directive serves as "a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms."
The police warned that anyone found inciting violence, carrying weapons, vandalising property, or disrupting public order would be arrested and prosecuted. Digital evidence, it insisted, would also be used to track social media incitement.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has instructed the FCT Commissioner of Police and other operational units to enforce the order, with heavy deployments at strategic locations to ensure public safety and free movement.
Round Reports earlier reported that Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who is leading the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow mobilisation, dismissed the police position, insisting there is no valid legal barrier to the protest.
"There is no valid court order restricting the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest from Aso Rock Villa," Sowore posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He argued that any alleged ex parte order has expired due to non-service on the named defendants or organisers, rendering it legally ineffective.
"In other words, there is nothing to defy, no binding restriction, no valid injunction. The people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly remains intact and unstoppable," he said.
Sowore accused the police of hypocrisy, alleging they failed to obtain similar orders against pro-government counter-protests held over the past three days.
He disclosed that a team of 115 lawyers is ready to challenge any court document once served. "Nothing can stop this mass movement," he said.
The activist also warned security agencies against the use of brute force, urging officers to respect their oath of office. "Any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests will attract repercussions. Times are changing fast," he said.
Comments
Post a Comment