The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice M. G. Umar, granted approval on Friday, October 17, 2025, for the planned #FreeNnamdiKanu protest. However, the court imposed strict restrictions, prohibiting demonstrators from marching to or assembling near key national institutions within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These restricted zones include Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

This ruling stemmed from a motion ex parte filed by the Nigerian government through the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) under Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, titled Federal Republic of Nigeria vs Omoyele Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, Sahara Reporters Media Foundation, Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Unknown Persons. The government sought an interim order to prevent protesters from accessing sensitive government areas, arguing through an affidavit sworn by police officer Bassey Ibithan that the protest could threaten national security if allowed near these restricted zones. Justice Umar, after hearing arguments, granted the interim order but crucially affirmed the protected right to peaceful assembly, provided demonstrators adhere to the stipulated boundaries.

The court document detailed the interim order, explicitly restraining respondents from protesting in the listed areas pending the hearing of the motion on notice. It also abridged the time for respondents to appear for a hearing on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 9:00 AM, to respond to the government’s application. The order and the motion on notice were directed to be served on the respondents, including activist Omoyele Sowore and the Take It Back Movement, on Friday, October 17, 2025.

Prior to this, the Nigeria Police Force had already issued a nationwide directive ordering heightened security measures ahead of the planned demonstrations for Monday, October 20, 2025. This wireless message from Force Headquarters warned of "unscrupulous elements" planning protests in the FCT that could spread to other states, calling for the unconditional release of detained Biafran leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The directive, obtained by SaharaReporters, instructed commanders to deploy covert personnel, keep tactical units on standby, confine other officers to barracks, and render hourly situation reports from Sunday, October 19, until further notice.

Interestingly, Justice Umar had initially refused a broader application by the NPF to completely stop the “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest without hearing from the opposing side. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had dispatched lawyers to court to move an ex parte motion against Omoyele Sowore to preempt the protest near Aso Rock Villa. However, the Judge declined to grant a full injunction, instead instructing the police to formally serve notice on Sowore and adjourning the case for a proper, contested hearing.

Reacting to this initial judicial stance, Omoyele Sowore described the court’s decision as a triumph for civil rights and reaffirmed that the protest would proceed as planned. He stated on his X handle that despite the police's efforts to halt the protest, the judge refused to grant the ex parte motion, opting instead for a hearing after serving notice.

Following the court's specific restrictions, the Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to enforce the order and maintain public order. Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, issued a statement on Saturday, reaffirming the directive as "binding and enforceable." While acknowledging citizens' rights to peaceful assembly, he cautioned that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within legal limits, especially concerning public safety and national security. The Force warned that any protester attempting to defy the order by demonstrating near restricted zones would face arrest and prosecution. Hundeyin also cautioned against inciting violence, vandalizing property, or engaging in online incitement, stating that digital evidence would be used in investigations and prosecutions, potentially under laws relating to terrorism and public order.

IGP Kayode Egbetokun directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and other operational commands to ensure strict enforcement, maintain visible deployments around strategic areas, and guarantee the safety of residents. The police further advised protesters and counter-protesters to avoid restricted areas, refrain from carrying weapons or engaging in provocative conduct, and channel grievances through lawful avenues. The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, and organized by Sowore with various human rights and pro-Biafran groups, seeks Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release, highlighting his continued detention by the DSS despite several court rulings ordering his freedom. The demonstration is seen by activists and supporters as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly and expression, and has garnered nationwide and international attention.