A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining activist Omoyele Sowore and several groups from organising or participating in the planned October 20 protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to Naija News, the order was granted following an ex parte application by the Federal Government, represented by the Nigeria Police Force, seeking to prevent the planned demonstration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Justice M.G. Umar, who presided over the matter, ruled that Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and other “persons unknown” are barred from participating in or promoting the protest. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/2202/2025, represents a major setback for the organisers.
Reacting to the ruling, Sowore expressed disappointment, claiming the court granted the injunction “in chambers” after initially refusing to do so in open court. He posted on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), alleging that the order prohibits protests at key Abuja landmarks, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, and Unity Fountain.
Meanwhile, the United States has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to avoid protest locations in the FCT amid heightened tension.
The October 20 demonstration was intended to pressure the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), where he has been detained since 2021 on terrorism and treason charges. The planned protest had gained significant online traction and endorsements from notable political figures, including a former Vice President and a former Senate President.
In its filing, the Federal Government argued that the protest could pose a threat to national peace and security, prompting the court to intervene before the event took place.
Kanu’s continued detention has sparked public outcry and renewed debates about justice and human rights in Nigeria.
