The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the hearing of the case filed by the Nigeria Police Force against activist Omoyele Sowore and other organisers of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. The case, which was earlier scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, was adjourned to November 5, 2025, following the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, who was away on official duty at the court’s Enugu division.
The suit originated from a motion filed by the police seeking to restrict Sowore and his group from holding demonstrations in Abuja over the continued detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The police argued that the planned protest could disrupt public peace and threaten security in the capital.
Earlier, on October 17, Justice Umar issued an interim order barring the protesters from gathering around key government areas such as Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square, the Court of Appeal, and Shehu Shagari Way. The respondents were directed to appear in court on October 20 to explain why the order should not remain in place.
However, the court session on that date was disrupted after the protesters reportedly went ahead with their demonstration near the Federal High Court complex, which caused temporary disorder and affected court activities.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, names Sowore, Sahara Reporters Limited, and Sahara Reporters Media Foundation as the first three respondents. The Take It Back Movement and other unnamed individuals were also listed in the suit.
In an affidavit filed by police officer Bassey Ibithan, the police claimed the protest could lead to chaos if not restricted. Sowore, a publisher and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), had earlier maintained that the rally was intended to be peaceful and aimed at demanding Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
The court will resume hearing on November 5, when the motion to set aside the interim order is expected to be considered.