In a dramatic turn in Abuja’s Federal High Court, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore successfully thwarted an aggressive bid by the Nigeria Police, acting under IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to silence his planned protest at the Aso Rock Villa. The court rejected an ex parte motion filed by police lawyers seeking instant judicial approval to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration, ordering instead that the police must properly serve Sowore notice and adjourned the matter for a full hearing.
⚖️ Court Blocks Police’s Gag Order
IGP Egbetokun’s legal team filed an ex parte motion—a request made without notifying the opposing party—aiming to bar Sowore’s planned protest scheduled for Monday at the presidential villa. The motion would have denied Sowore the chance to respond or present his case.
However, Justice Umar of the Federal High Court stood firm: he declined to grant the motion. Instead, he insisted that the police serve notice on Sowore and scheduled a formal hearing for Tuesday. This ruling underscores the judiciary’s insistence on due process and the right to be heard before rights can be curtailed
🧾 Background: Sowore vs IGP Egbetokun
This clash is part of a broader standoff between Sowore and the IGP. Sowore has openly called Egbetokun an “illegal IGP,” claiming that his continued tenure exceeds statutory limits. Earlier, Egbetokun initiated legal action against Sowore for his public remarks, including calling him “illegal IG” on social media—a move that led to charges under the Cybercrime Act.
When Sowore arrived in court, the police also attempted to detain him for up to 14 days under an ex parte court order, purportedly to further investigations. But sources within the police force said the move was orchestrated to neutralize Sowore while investigation documents were assembled.
Lawyers representing Sowore maintain that these measures amount to political persecution and a weaponization of the courts and police to silence dissent.
📢 Reaction and Press Freedom Alarm
Civil society groups and legal advocacy bodies have loudly condemned the police actions. The Policy & Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) called the arrest, reported assault, and detention of Sowore “grave violations” of the constitution, demanding his immediate release and accountability for involved officers.
Meanwhile, Sowore’s legal team has flagged procedural irregularities: shifting charges (from conspiracy to incitement), failure to disclose petitions, and alleged assault while in custody—especially claims that his arm was broken in detention.
In his own words on social media, Sowore stated that police under Egbetokun’s command are using the IGP Monitoring Unit to harass and intimidate him:
> “There goes the IGP’s style: dispatch lawyers with ex parte moves to gag me, but the courts must not bend.”
📌 What This Means & Why It Matters
1. Due process prevails (for now). The court’s refusal to grant the ex parte motion sends a signal that even powerful security institutions must respect constitutional safeguards.
2. Pushback against silencing dissent. The IGP’s attempt to block the Aso Rock protest represents a broader pattern of security forces wielding legal instruments to suppress opposition voices.
3. Challenging the “illegal IGP” question. Sowore’s claim that Egbetokun is serving beyond his statutory term looms over this conflict—if proven, it would undermine the legitimacy of all orders under his office.
4. Precedent for activism in Nigeria. If the court continues to push back on overreach, this case could bolster protections for other activists and journalists.
🔍 What to Watch Next
The Tuesday hearing: will the court impose conditions, or wholly dismiss the police motion?
Evidence disclosure: will the police present credible documents, or will they continue to shift claims?
Media and civil society pressure: growing public scrutiny may constrain overreach.
Cobra-choke arrests: will new arrests or heightened security accompany the planned protest?
In summary, the failed ex parte motion marks a momentary victory for constitutional order, but the path ahead remains fraught. Sowore’s struggle against the IGP is not just about one demonstration—it’s a test of whether democratic principles and civic rights can prevail over state might in Nigeria’s fraught political climate.
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