Police Warn Against Protests Near Aso Rock, National Assembly
The Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning to all groups planning protests in Abuja, urging compliance with a federal court order that restricts demonstrations near key government sites, including Aso Rock Villa and the National Assembly.
The advisory follows a ruling by Justice M.G. Umar on Oct. 17 in the case Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore and Others (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025). The court barred protests in high-security areas such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the Force remains committed to enforcing the law and maintaining public peace in accordance with the Constitution.
“In deference to the court’s authority and in line with our constitutional duties, we urge all groups—whether supporting or opposing the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—to fully comply with the court’s directive,” Hundeyin said in a statement.
He emphasized that the order is binding and enforceable until further legal proceedings. While affirming citizens’ rights to peaceful protest, the police stressed that such rights must be exercised within legal boundaries.
“The court’s intervention is a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms,” Hundeyin said. “All protesters and counter-protesters are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from actions that could provoke unrest or disrupt public order.”
The Force also warned that anyone found inciting violence, carrying weapons, destroying property or posing a threat to public safety would be arrested and prosecuted. Authorities said digital evidence, including social media activity, may be used in investigations.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and other relevant commands to strictly enforce the order, with visible deployments at key locations to ensure security.
The protest, scheduled for Monday, Oct. 20, is calling for the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody since his 2021 extradition from Kenya. Kanu faces terrorism-related charges.
Activist Omoyele Sowore, a key organizer of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, rejected the police warning, arguing there is no valid court order restricting the demonstration.
“There is no valid court order stopping the planned protest at Aso Rock,” Sowore wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He said the referenced ruling was never formally served on the defendants or protest organizers.
“Under Nigerian law, an ex parte order not served within the required timeframe expires automatically. There is no binding restriction,” he said.
Sowore also accused the police of double standards for not applying similar restrictions to pro-Kanu protests held over three consecutive days earlier this month.
He announced that a legal team of 115 lawyers would challenge any court order once formally served.
“Our legal team is ready,” he said. “This movement cannot be stopped.”
Sowore warned against the use of excessive force or unlawful arrests and urged police officers to respect citizens’ rights.
“We call on CP Dantawaye and every officer of the Nigeria Police Force to protect Nigerians’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” he said. “Any excessive force or illegal arrest will be met with consequences. The era of unchecked brutality is over.”