A human rights and pro-democracy organization, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development, FENRAD, has condemned the restriction placed on the organizers of the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protest.
Following a Federal High Court ruling in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 – Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, the Nigeria Police had warned the organisers of the protest to keep off the National Assembly, Aso Rock Villa, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
It acknowledged the need for public order and national security, it is deeply concerned that such sweeping restrictions represent a dangerous erosion of constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression as enshrined in Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as relevant international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
According to him, “The decision to criminalize peaceful gatherings — particularly those advocating for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a matter of national and international human rights interest — sets a disturbing precedent and raises questions about the government’s tolerance for dissent and democratic engagement.”
The rights group then emphasized that “court orders should not be used as tools to suppress lawful civil expression. Judicial pronouncements that infringe on fundamental rights must be challenged and subjected to higher judicial scrutiny.
“The blanket ban on protests near key national sites amounts to the militarization of civil space, especially in a democracy. Protest is a legitimate instrument of public expression in democratic societies.
“Security concerns must never override human rights. Peaceful protest is not synonymous with violence. The presumption of criminality against peaceful demonstrators is a breach of both domestic and international legal norms.
“The right to assemble and protest is non-negotiable in a democratic society. Governments should engage with and address grievances through dialogue, not repression.”
“We call on civil society, the legal community, the international community, and all lovers of democracy to stand firm in defence of civil liberties in Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s democracy must not become a mere slogan — it must reflect in how authorities treat dissenting voices, especially those calling for justice and human rights,” it further stated.