Police Vow Mass Arrests to Crush Aso Rock Protest Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning, vowing to arrest and prosecute any individual who attempts to stage a protest within the restricted zones of the Presidential Villa and other key government areas in Abuja. This warning comes in response to the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration being mobilized by rights activist Omoyele Sowore.

Dependable NG reports that the protest, which is scheduled for Monday, October 20, is intended to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The police action is backed by a Federal High Court order issued on Friday in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025. The court specifically restrained the protest organizers and their groups from carrying out demonstrations around the Presidential Villa and its environs, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Force firmly declared its commitment to enforcing the judicial order.

The statement read: “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 Police further stressed that while it respects the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly, such rights must be exercised “responsibly and within the limits of the law,” especially concerning public safety and national security.

The Force strongly advised all intending protesters to avoid the restricted zones and refrain from any act that could provoke confrontation. The warning concluded with a decisive threat: “Any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence… will be dealt with decisively. Offenders will be arrested, subjected to full investigation, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws… Those who incite others via social media or other platforms should note that digital evidence will be used in investigations and prosecutions.”