The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning against planned demonstrations advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). These warnings are specifically directed at groups intending to protest in Abuja, urging them to respect a recent court order that restricts gatherings around critical government infrastructure. Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021 and is currently facing a terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has been a central figure in mobilizing the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which was slated for Monday, October 20. The protest was initially intended to encompass areas such as Eagle Square and the Central Business District, with calls for a march to the presidential villa, Aso Rock.

However, the Nigeria Police Force, through its spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, on Saturday, emphasized a significant interim order issued by the Federal High Court, Abuja division. This order, dated October 17, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others), was delivered by Justice M.G. Umar. It explicitly restrains the named respondents and any individuals acting under their instruction from staging protests within and around several sensitive government areas. These restricted zones include Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way. The court’s decision followed an ex parte motion filed by the Nigerian government, with police officer Bassey Ibithan stating in an affidavit that allowing protests near these areas could jeopardize national security.

While acknowledging and respecting citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and expression, the NPF underscored that such rights must be exercised responsibly and strictly within legal boundaries, especially when public safety, national security, and the rights of other citizens are paramount. The police clarified that the court’s intervention serves as a safeguard of constitutional freedoms, not their suppression. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and other operational commands to ensure the strict enforcement of this court order, maintain strategic deployments, and protect lives and property.

The police have issued clear warnings to all intending protesters and counter-protest groups to avoid these restricted areas and refrain from any actions that could provoke confrontation or disturb public order. The Force vowed to decisively deal with anyone who uses protests as a cover to commit violence, destroy property, incite unrest—either physically or through social media—or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury. Offenders will face arrest, full investigation, and prosecution under relevant criminal laws, potentially including those related to public order, violent conduct, and terrorism, with digital evidence being admissible in such proceedings.

Meanwhile, a pan-Igbo pressure group, the Ikenga Think-Tank, called on all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion, to participate in the protest for Kanu’s release. In a statement released on Saturday by Dr. Dunkwu Agbambu, titled ‘The peoples communique for justice and liberation,’ the group demanded Kanu’s immediate release, asserting that he fights for all oppressed Nigerians, not just the Igbo people. The statement used strong rhetoric, accusing the government of facilitating violence and injustice, and claiming that Kanu’s prophecies about the state of Nigeria have come to pass. It urged various ethnic groups, youths, students, and patriots across Nigeria to rise and join the movement, calling for the occupation of Aso Rock and streets in various cities until justice is served and Kanu is released. Despite their strong demands, the Ikenga Think-Tank appealed for the movement to be peaceful, albeit unrelenting, disciplined, and unified, emphasizing that they are not enemies of the state but seekers of justice.

Omoyele Sowore reacted to the police warnings and court ruling by affirming that the October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest remains sacrosanct. While acknowledging the police’s apparent respect for the right to protest, he criticized what he termed