• Judicial protests around Aso Rock Villa, others tomorrow
The Nigerian Police on Saturday warned against activist and Sahara Reporters editor Omoyele Sowore’s plan to stage a protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday over the continued detention of the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
This is just as a Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday restrained Sowore and others from protesting tomorrow in some areas of Abuja, including Aso Rock Villa.
The police, in a statement, said they expect all parties to strictly comply with the provisions of the court order.
“In deference to the authority of the court and in accordance with the police’s constitutional mandate to enforce law and order, the force calls on all groups, whether supporting or opposing the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to strictly comply with the provisions of the court order,” the statement added.
“The Nigerian Police recognizes and respects the rights of citizens to peacefully assemble and express themselves. However, these rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law, particularly with regard to public safety, national security and the rights of other citizens. Therefore, the court’s intervention is a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms.
“Accordingly, all protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order. The force will ensure the free flow of traffic, the protection of lives and property, and the safety of all law-abiding citizens,” the statement read.
Sunday Tribune reports that the court has banned protesters from approaching anywhere near the village, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending hearing of the motion on notice.
The court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, on Friday accepted the ex parte motion filed by the police lawyer, Wisdom Madaki, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The certified true copy of the recorded order, signed by the court clerk, Kasim Muazu, and the judge, was made available to NAN on Saturday in Abuja.
The development was also contrary to some media reports that Justice Umar adjourned the matter till October 21 for the parties to appear in court.
“Meanwhile, the respondents are restrained from protesting in the following areas: Aso Rock Villa, or anywhere near Villa, the National Assembly, the Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and at Shehu Shagari Way pending the hearing of the motion on notice.
“The court hereby shortens the time within which the respondents will respond to the application by notice to have this ex parte order vacated on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
“The order of this court, together with the motion for summons, be notified to the defendants today, Friday, October 17, 2025,” the judge ordered.
Subsequently, Justice Umar adjourned the matter to October 20 for hearing of the motion on notice.
NAN reported that in the ex parte motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, the police, on behalf of the FRN, sued five respondents.
These are Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, Sahara Reporters’ Media Foundation, Take It Back Movement (TIB), for the Transformation of Nigeria or any person or organization acting on behalf of the respondents.
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