A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and others from organising or participating in a planned protest calling for the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The order, delivered by Justice M. G. Umar, followed an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force. The government argued that the planned demonstration, scheduled for October 20, could breach public peace and security in the Federal Capital Territory.
The court specifically barred Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and “persons unknown” from participating in, organising, or promoting the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.
Confirming the development, Sowore alleged that the order was issued in chambers after the judge had initially declined to grant the same request in open court.
“After initially declining to grant an ex parte motion to stop our planned protest in open court, the judge reportedly granted it in chambers, imposing a ban on protests at Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, and the Unity Fountain in Abuja,” Sowore said in a post on his social media page.
The protest had gained significant traction online and was endorsed by several political figures. Organisers had vowed to march to the Aso Rock Villa to demand Kanu’s immediate release from the custody of the Department of State Services.
US Issues Security Alert
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to its citizens, warning of potential disruptions and possible violence around the protest zones.
In a statement, the embassy advised US citizens to avoid the areas around Eagle Square and the Central Business District, severely limit movement throughout the city on October 20, and exercise caution.
Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021, facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony. His continued detention has sparked growing public outcry, culminating in the now-halted protest.
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