The Nigeria Police Force has denied claims that it approached the court to stop the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025.
Reacting to reports that the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected a police application to halt the protest, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police never sought any injunction against the demonstrators.
In a statement released on Sunday via his official X handle, Hundeyin reaffirmed that Nigerians have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest.
*It is an inalienable right of Nigerians to protest, and at no point did the Nigeria Police Force approach any court to stop such gatherings,” Hundeyin stated.
He also dismissed reports that the case was adjourned to Tuesday, describing them as “one-sided narratives that lack the depth of investigative journalism.”
The protest convener, Omoyele Sowore, had earlier celebrated the court’s decision allowing the protest to proceed, describing it as a “victory for civil liberties.”
According to Sowore, the police had allegedly sent legal representatives to court to stop the planned demonstration at the Aso Rock Villa.
“The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, dispatched police lawyers to sue me in an effort to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest,” Sowore said.
However, Hundeyin’s clarification has sought to calm rising tensions as preparations for the protest continue.
He emphasized that the Force remains committed to upholding citizens’ rights while ensuring that public order and safety are maintained.
The planned protest, organized by pro-democracy activists, seeks the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, whose prolonged detention has sparked nationwide debates over human rights and due process.
