Human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, has vowed to contest a court order restraining the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, insisting that the demonstration scheduled for October 20 will proceed as planned.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier barred Sowore and others from holding protests in specific parts of the capital city.
The order, issued on October 17, 2025, by Justice M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, restricts demonstrations around key government locations including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, the Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Reacting on his verified X handle on Saturday, Sowore said he was “pleased that the Nigeria Police Force appeared to have shown some respect for the constitutional right to freedom of assembly and protest.”
He, however, questioned the selective application of the law, wondering why no similar order was obtained against those who had been protesting for days against the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
“Suppose a court order truly exists restricting protests around Aso Rock Villa; it begs the question: why hasn’t the same police force obtained a similar order against those protesting freely for three consecutive days opposing Nnamdi Kanu’s release?” Sowore asked.
“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable,” he added.
The activist revealed that his legal team, comprising 115 lawyers—will challenge the said order once they are officially served on Monday.
Despite the restriction, Sowore reaffirmed his commitment to the movement, stressing that the planned October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest would go ahead as a peaceful and lawful march.
“October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully,” he declared.
