A court in Nigeria has refused a bid by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to stop the scheduled “#FreeNnamdiKanuNow” protest in Abuja.
This ruling affirms the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Key Details
- The Protest: The demonstration, organized under the banner #FreeNnamdiKanuNow (a movement demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu), is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, in Abuja.
- The Court’s Stance: The court’s refusal to grant the police order is in line with the landmark judicial precedent (most notably the IGP vs. All Nigeria Peoples Party case) that affirms that citizens do not require police permits to organize peaceful assemblies.
- Police Concern: Security alerts had warned that the planned protest could lead to roadblocks, traffic congestion, and potential confrontations that might turn violent, particularly around Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
- The Implication: By denying the police request, the court has upheld the constitutional right to protest, placing the responsibility on the police to provide protection for the demonstrators rather than to ban the assembly outright.
