By Pius Awunah
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has urged groups planning to protest for the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB),MaziNnamdi Kanu, to obey the court order barring protests around Aso Rock Villa, its environs and other strategic places.
These are the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way.
A press statement by the Nigeria Police Force, signed by its spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, affirmed the Force’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The statement issued on Saturday, October 18, 2025,said its appeal was in accordance with the subsisting order of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, delivered on October 17,2025, by Justice M.G. Umar, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others,restraining the respondents and any other persons or groups acting under their instruction from staging protests at the restricted areas.
”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 directive remains binding and enforceable pending further judicial proceedings.
”The Nigeria Police Force recognises and respects the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression. However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law, particularly where public safety, national security, and the rights of other citizens are concerned. The Court’s intervention is therefore a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms.
”Accordingly, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order”,the statement read.
The police warned that any person or group that intends to use the protest as a 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 would be dealt with decisively.
It further warned that offenders would be arrested, subjected to full investigation, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws — including laws relating to public order, violent conduct and terrorism where applicable.
According to the statement, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, had directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and relevant 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.
The police assured law-abiding Nigerians that adequate security arrangements were in place to protect their lives and property,and urged non-participants to go about their lawful businesses without fear of intimidation.
