From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has cautioned all groups planning protests in Abuja to strictly comply with a court order restricting demonstrations in key parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This came amid calls for protests by Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, and members of pro-Biafra groups planning demonstrations on Monday, October 20, to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The IPOB leader is facing a seven-count amended charge of treason and terrorism preferred against him by the Federal Government. He has been in the detention facility of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 27, 2021, when he was extradited to Nigeria after he was re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021.
Amid concerns over possible disruptions to public order in the FCT if the peaceful protest to free Kanu is allowed, a federal court in Abuja on Friday restrained protesters from some government buildings, including the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way. Justice M.G. Umar gave the order in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others.
While the police maintained that the court’s directive was meant to prevent a breakdown of law and order, a statement issued on by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin warned that anyone found violating the order or attempting to hijack protests for violent purposes would face severe legal consequences.
Reaffirming the force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights in accordance with constitutional provision, Hundeyin reiterated that “The Order restrains the respondents and any other persons or groups acting under their instruction from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa and its environs.”
While the police have assured residents of adequate security arrangements and urged “law-abiding Nigerians to go about their normal activities without fear”, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and relevant commands to ensure strict enforcement of the order, according to the statement.
Directing security operatives to maintain visible and strategic deployments around sensitive locations to ensure peace, free movement, and protection of lives and property,the IGP warned that any person or group “that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise public or private property, kidnap or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury will be dealt with decisively. Offenders will be arrested, subjected to full investigation, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws — including laws relating to public order, violent conduct and terrorism where applicable.” The Force also warned that those who “incite others via social media or other platforms should note that digital evidence will be used in investigations and prosecutions.”
But the arrowhead of the #FreeNnamdiKanu Movement, Sowore has vowed nothing will stop the protest, disclosing that his legal team will challenge any court order,
“Our legal team will challenge any alleged court order the moment we are served on Monday. But let it be known that nothing can stop this mass movement. October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully”, he said in a post on X.
As tension grows high in the FCT over possible disruptions of law and order, especially coming at a time of alleged failed coup attempt (though dismissed by the Defence Headquarters), the US Embassy in a public alert has urged all U.S. citizens in Abuja “to avoid this area and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20th, it wrote in a security alert. The Embassy recommends children in Abuja stay home from school and domestic staff that travel from outside of Abuja to stay home as well.”
