The Nigeria Police Force is warning all groups planning demonstrations in the nation’s capital to respect a subsisting court order restraining protests around major government installations, including the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly, and Force Headquarters.
The warning follows growing tension over planned marches linked to calls for the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice M.G. Umar, had on October 17 issued an order restraining Omoyele Sowore and four others, and by extension, any groups acting on their behalf, from staging protests within and around key national institutions such as Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
In compliance with the order, the police have appealed to all groups, both for and against the agitation for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, to obey the court and avoid restricted zones.
The force insists that the intervention of the court is a safeguard for peace and not a clampdown on freedom, stressing that the right to protest must not endanger lives, obstruct movement, or provoke violence.
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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has therefore directed the FCT Commissioner of Police to deploy personnel across strategic locations and ensure the safety of all residents.
The police also warned that anyone who hijacks protests to cause chaos, carry weapons, destroys property or spreads incitement, including through social media, will face prosecution under relevant criminal laws.
Despite the restriction, activist Omoyele Sowore has signalled plans for a “Free Nnamdi Kanu” march on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The Police say any assembly must steer clear of the designated no-protest zones and remain strictly peaceful, or organizers and participants will be held accountable under the law.
The force maintains that democracy guarantees freedom of expression, but responsibility must guide how that freedom is exercised.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
