The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, has dismissed reports claiming that the Nigeria Police Force sought a court order to stop the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
Hundeyin clarified that at no point did the police approach any court to obtain an injunction against the planned demonstrations, reiterating that Nigerians have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Earlier reports had stated that the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected an alleged request by the police to halt the “#FreeNnamdiKanuNow” protest, allowing the demonstration to go ahead as scheduled on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Following the court’s decision, protest convener and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore described the ruling as a victory for democracy and civil liberties. He also reaffirmed the group’s commitment to proceed with the protest as planned.
Sowore alleged that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had sent police lawyers to file a suit seeking to restrain the protest.
However, reacting to the reports via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Hundeyin refuted the claim, stressing that the police did not take any legal action to stop the event.
He stated, “It is an inalienable right of Nigerians to protest, and we did not approach the court to stop these gatherings. Furthermore, the case was not adjourned to Tuesday as mentioned in some reports; it reflects a one-sided narration and lacks the depth of investigative journalism.”
Hundeyin’s clarification comes amid growing public attention surrounding the protest, as security agencies and civic groups continue to emphasize the need for peaceful conduct during demonstrations across the country.
