The scheduled hearing on Monday in the police case against Omoyele Sowore and other organisers of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest did not proceed, as activities at the Federal High Court in Abuja were suspended.
By 9:30 a.m., when a reporter entered the court complex, all 13 courtrooms were locked. Although a few court staff, lawyers, litigants, and security personnel were present, no judge was seen.
Security personnel had been deployed to various locations across Abuja. Water cannon trucks were stationed at junctions including Gana Street and Shehu Shagari Way near Nicon Hilton Hotel, NITEL junction in Wuse 2, the Federal Secretariat, and the National Assembly junction leading to the Presidential Villa in Asokoro.
Vehicular movement was restricted, and pedestrians were barred from entering certain areas. Police reportedly used tear gas to disperse some gatherings.
On Friday, Justice Mohammed Umar had ordered the respondents in an ex-parte motion filed by the police—on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria—to appear and explain why a temporary order restraining protests should not be lifted.
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The order barred Sowore and others from protesting in certain parts of Abuja, including near the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way, until the main motion is heard.
Other respondents include Sahara Reporters Ltd, Sahara Reporters Media Foundation, the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, and any individuals or groups acting under their direction or with similar intentions. Unknown persons were also named as respondents.
The ex-parte motion, filed by police counsel Wisdom Madaki, was granted on Friday. The court also shortened the response time, directing the respondents to file their replies by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025—the same day set for the hearing of the motion on notice.
The case is filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025.
In an affidavit supporting the motion, Bassey Ibithan, a police officer with the Directorate of Legal Services, stated that the protest, if not restrained, could threaten national security.
Sowore, founder of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), had announced plans to hold a peaceful protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is facing terrorism charges before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court.
Meanwhile, there are ongoing calls for a political resolution to his case.
