Abuja — The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining publisher Omoyele Sowore and several groups from staging protests on Monday in sensitive parts of the capital to demand the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
In an ex parte ruling on Friday, Justice Mohammed G. Umar barred demonstrations “in the interim” at or near Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and along Shehu Shagari Way. The order stands pending hearing of a motion on notice.
The application was brought by counsel to the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Nigeria Police Force. Police lawyer Wisdom Madaki moved the motion; an affidavit in support was deposed to by Bassey Ibithan of the Force Headquarters’ Directorate of Legal Services.
Contrary to earlier media reports, the certified true copy of the enrolled order—signed by Court Registrar Kasim Muazu and Justice Umar—also abridged time for the respondents to respond and fixed hearing for Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Justice Umar directed that the interim order and motion on notice be served on the respondents on Friday, Oct. 17.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, lists as respondents: Omoyele Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, Sahara Reporters’ Media Foundation, the Take It Back Movement (TIB) “for the Transformation of Nigeria or any form of organisation or any other person(s) acting on either express or implied instruction or any other organisation or group with the like intention,” and Unknown Persons.
The police sought a single relief: an order restraining or banning protests within the specified zones of Abuja. The court granted the request on an interim basis and adjourned to hear arguments on whether to set aside or sustain the order.
Sowore—also a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC)—had mobilised for what he called a peaceful protest to press for Kanu’s release. Kanu faces terrorism-related charges before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, amid separate political-solution appeals from various stakeholders.
Monday’s hearing will determine whether the interim restrictions remain in force. Until then, the court warned, no party should take steps that could overreach the proceedings or render the case nugatory.
