By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has vowed to challenge the Federal High Court order restricting the planned #FreeNnamdiKanu protests in Abuja, describing the move as “hypocritical” and “a clear case of double standards.”
The order, issued on October 17 by Justice M.G. Umar, barred Sowore, four others, and their associates from staging demonstrations around key parts of the Federal Capital Territory, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square, the Court of Appeal, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Reacting through his verified X handle on Saturday, Sowore said the October 20 protest calling for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, would still hold as a peaceful and lawful demonstration despite the restriction.
He expressed concern that while the police were quick to secure a restraining order against his group, they made no attempt to stop others who had freely protested for three consecutive days against Kanu’s release.
“Suppose a court order truly exists restricting protests around Aso Rock Villa; it begs the question — why hasn’t the same police obtained a similar order against those protesting freely for three consecutive days opposing Nnamdi Kanu’s release?” Sowore asked.
“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable,” he added.
The activist said he was encouraged that the police had shown “some respect for the constitutional right to freedom of assembly,” but stressed that his legal team, comprising 115 lawyers, would move to contest the order once officially served on Monday.
Sowore maintained that his movement would not be intimidated by what he termed judicial suppression of free speech and civic action.
“October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully,” he declared.
The planned protest, he said, aims to draw attention to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu despite several court rulings ordering his release.