Abuja — The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning to all protest groups, urging them to comply strictly with a subsisting order of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which restrains demonstrations around key government institutions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The statement follows growing tension over planned protests related to the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police reaffirmed their “unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace in accordance with constitutional provisions.” The warning comes after Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, issued an order on October 17, 2025 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, restraining Sowore and other respondents “from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.”
The Force emphasized that the directive remains binding and enforceable until the court decides otherwise. “In deference to the authority of the Court and in line with the constitutional mandate of the Police to enforce law and order, the Force hereby calls on all groups — whether in support of or opposed to the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu — to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order,” the statement read.
The Police acknowledged citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free expression but stressed that these rights must be exercised within legal limits. “The Court’s intervention is therefore a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms,” the statement noted, underscoring that the restrictions are aimed at preventing violence, maintaining national security, and protecting the rights of other citizens.
The Force further warned that anyone using the guise of protest to commit crimes will face severe consequences. “Any person 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,” the statement warned. It also noted that individuals inciting unrest through social media “should note that digital evidence will be used in investigations and prosecutions.”
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and other operational commands to “ensure strict enforcement of the Court’s Order, maintain visible and strategic deployments across vulnerable locations, and ensure the safety of residents and lawful activities in the FCT.”
Reiterating its readiness to maintain peace, the Force assured law-abiding Nigerians that adequate security arrangements have been made. “Non-participants should go about their lawful businesses without fear. Anyone found to be in breach of the Court’s Order or in contempt of the law will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement concluded.
The warning comes amid heightened political and social tension in Abuja, as authorities move to prevent any breakdown of law and order ahead of planned demonstrations.
