The Federal High Court in Abuja has shifted the hearing of the suit filed by the Nigeria Police Force against Omoyele Sowore and other conveners of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest to November 5.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the case was rescheduled following the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, who was said to be sitting at the Enugu division of the court.
The matter, listed as number 11 on Wednesday’s cause list, was expected to come up for the hearing of a motion on notice but was consequently adjourned.
Justice Umar had earlier fixed October 20 for the respondents to show cause why the interim order stopping the planned protest should be vacated. However, the hearing was stalled due to the protest that took place on the same day, disrupting court activities in Abuja.
The judge had previously granted an interim order sought by the police, restraining Sowore and others from protesting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu in certain areas of the Federal Capital Territory.
The restricted areas include the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
The interim order followed an ex parte motion filed by the police lawyer, Wisdom Madaki, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on October 17.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, the police listed Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, and Sahara Reporters Media Foundation as the 1st to 3rd respondents. The Take It Back Movement and other unknown persons were also joined as the 4th and 5th respondents.
A police officer, Bassey Ibithan, attached to the Directorate of Legal Services, Force Headquarters, Abuja, stated in an affidavit supporting the motion that the protest could threaten national security if not stopped.
Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, had planned the peaceful protest to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
