By Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by Henry Owen
Abuja — The Nigeria Police Force has announced a total ban on rallies and processions around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters and adjoining streets after a Federal High Court order handed down on Friday night.
Justice M G Umar of the Abuja division, in suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v Omoyele Sowore & 4 others — barred the defendants and any other persons acting under their instruction from protesting within the precincts of the Presidential Villa, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way.
In a statement released early Saturday by Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police said they would enforce the court order to the letter while still respecting citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
“The court’s intervention is a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms,” Hundeyin stated. “All groups — whether in support of or opposed to the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu — must stay away from the restricted zones.”
Officers have been directed to arrest anyone who uses demonstrations as cover to carry weapons, vandalise property or incite violence. Offenders, the spokesman added, will be prosecuted under public-order laws and, where fatalities occur, terrorism statutes.
IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has ordered the FCT Commissioner of Police to mount visible and strategic deployments across vulnerable points. Armoured vehicles were already spotted on Sunday at the City Gate, AYA Round-about and the National Assembly entrance.
Two rival coalitions — one demanding Kanu’s release, the other vowing to defend the Villa — had fixed Monday 21 October for mass rallies inside the now-sealed zone. Police say the gatherings can go ahead only if organisers relocate to open parks outside the court-demarcated perimeter.
Lawyers are divided. Dr Sam Amadi, former NERC chairman, says the order balances free speech with security, while activist counsel Festus Ogun calls it prior restraint that shrinks civic space.
Police advise residents to shun the black-listed areas, channel grievances through courts rather than streets, and go about lawful business since adequate protection is in place.
The last time a similar blanket restriction was imposed in 2024, forty-seven protesters were arrested and eighteen are still facing terrorism-financing charges.
With armoured trucks on major bridges and drone units overhead, Abuja is bracing for a tense Monday. Cross the line and you will be picked up, a senior officer warned. The court order is non-negotiable.
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