Nnamdi Kanu protest: Police warn Sowore, others to respect court restrictions
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigeria Police Force has urged all groups planning demonstrations in Abuja to comply strictly with a recent court order restricting protests in key parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This appeal follows renewed mobilisation by activists and members of pro-Biafra organisations planning a nationwide rally on October 20 to demand the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu is currently facing trial for alleged treason. The government accuses him and IPOB members of being responsible for numerous killings and kidnappings across Nigeria’s South-East region. Although the IPOB leader has in the past been accused of inciting attacks on government facilities, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The protest organisers, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, have insisted the planned demonstration would be peaceful. Nonetheless, security authorities fear potential disturbances to public order in the capital.
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday permitted the protest to hold but restricted demonstrators from entering certain areas, including the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly, the Force Headquarters, and other strategic government zones.
While police authorities maintained that the directive was designed to avert any breakdown of law and order, some observers expressed concern that the measure could narrow citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and free speech.
In a statement issued on Saturday by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force reaffirmed its commitment to uphold constitutional freedoms while ensuring security and compliance with the court’s decision.
On Friday, Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered that Sowore and other respondents, along with any affiliated groups, refrain from staging protests in or around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, Force Headquarters, and Shehu Shagari Way.
While recognising the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the police emphasised that such rights must be exercised within legal boundaries to safeguard national security and public safety.
“The court’s intervention serves as a safeguard, not a suppression of constitutional freedoms,” the statement said, urging all groups, including those advocating for or against Kanu’s release, to abide by the order pending further court proceedings.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and other relevant formations to ensure full enforcement of the directive. Security personnel have been deployed around critical areas to guarantee peace and protect lives and property.
The police further warned that any individual or group “that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise public or private property, kidnap or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury will be dealt with decisively.”
“Offenders will be arrested, subjected to full investigation, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws — including laws relating to public order, violent conduct and terrorism where applicable,” the statement added. It also warned that those who “incite others via social media or other platforms should note that digital evidence will be used in investigations and prosecutions.”
The Force assured residents of adequate security measures and urged law-abiding citizens to continue their daily activities without fear.
