The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to all groups planning to participate in protests scheduled for Monday, 20th October 2025, concerning the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This directive followed a ruling from the Federal High Court in Abuja, which explicitly prohibits any demonstrations within specified sensitive areas of the capital.
In a statement released on Saturday, 18th October 2025, by Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public order. The statement detailed that the court order, delivered by Honourable Justice M.G. Umar, restrains individuals and groups from staging protests within and around key government locations.
These restricted zones include the Aso Rock Villa and its environs, the National Assembly Complex, the Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
The Police emphasised that their warning applies uniformly to all partiesโboth those supporting and those opposing the agitation for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. The Force recognises the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but stressed that this right must be exercised within the boundaries of the law. The courtโs intervention was described not as a suppression of freedom but as a necessary measure to safeguard public safety, national security, and the rights of other citizens.
The statement further cautioned that any person or group using the protests as a cover for violence will face severe consequences. Specifically, the Police warned against inciting violence, carrying offensive weapons, vandalising public or private property, kidnapping, or engaging in any act likely to cause loss of life or serious injury. Offenders will be arrested and subjected to full investigation and prosecution under relevant criminal laws. The Police also highlighted that laws relating to public order, violent conduct, and even terrorism could be applied where appropriate.
In a significant note, the Police warned that those who incite others via social media or other digital platforms are not exempt from prosecution. CSP Hundeyin stated clearly that digital evidence would be rigorously collected and used in investigations and legal proceedings against such individuals.
To ensure compliance, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and all relevant operational commands to enforce the court order strictly. This includes maintaining visible and strategic police deployments across vulnerable locations to protect lives and property and ensure the safety of residents going about their lawful activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Police advised all organisers and potential participants to channel their grievances through the courts and other lawful avenues rather than resorting to the streets, especially in the proscribed areas. They were also urged to refrain from carrying weapons, engaging in provocative conduct, or encouraging others to breach the law.
The statement concluded with an assurance to law-abiding citizens that adequate security arrangements have been made to protect them and that they should go about their businesses without fear. A final, unequivocal warning was issued: anyone found in breach of the court order or in contempt of the law will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Nigeria Police Force thereby aims to prevent any disruption to public order and uphold the sanctity of the judicial ruling.
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