The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims that it approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to obtain an injunction against the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the police did not file any legal action to stop the demonstration, stressing that Nigerians have the right to peaceful assembly under the law.
Earlier reports had suggested that the Federal High Court refused a request by the police to stop the protest, which was organised to demand the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The protest, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 20, 2025, near Aso Rock Villa.
Reacting to the development, Sowore described the court’s stance as a victory for civil rights and vowed that the demonstration would go on as planned. He said, “IG of PoliceNG Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me, in an effort to halt the FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday.”
Okay News reports that tension has been rising over the protest, with several civic groups calling for restraint and dialogue between authorities and demonstrators to avoid confrontation.
In response to the reports, Hundeyin took to his X handle on Sunday to reaffirm that the police respected citizens’ rights and had not gone to court to stop the march.
He stated, “It is an inalienable right of Nigerians to protest, and we did not approach the court to stop these gatherings. Furthermore, the case was not adjourned to Tuesday as mentioned in some reports; it reflects a one-sided narration and lacks the depth of investigative journalism.”
Hundeyin’s remarks were intended to clarify the Force’s position amid growing public debate about the limits of free expression and lawful protest in Nigeria.
