FENRAD Opposes ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ Protest Ban, Tasks Nigerian Govt on Nnamdi Kanu

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), a prominent human rights and pro-democracy organization, has condemned the Federal Government and Nigeria Police Force for imposing restrictions on the organizers of the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protest.

In a statement issued Sunday by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD described the move to confine peaceful protests to certain locations within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as unjustified and a violation of constitutional rights.

This follows a Federal High Court ruling in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 – Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others – after which the Nigeria Police warned protest organizers to avoid key areas such as the National Assembly, Aso Rock Villa, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

While recognizing the importance of maintaining public order and national security, FENRAD expressed deep concern that such broad restrictions dangerously undermine constitutionally guaranteed freedoms—particularly the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression as enshrined in Sections 39 and 40 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as relevant international treaties to which Nigeria is a party.

“The decision to criminalize peaceful gatherings—especially those advocating for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, an issue of both national and international human rights significance—sets a troubling precedent and calls into question the government’s commitment to dissent and democratic participation,” Nwafor stated.

The organization stressed that court orders should never be wielded as tools to suppress lawful civil expression and must always be open to higher judicial scrutiny when they infringe on fundamental rights.

“The blanket ban on protests near vital national landmarks effectively militarizes civil space, which is antithetical to democratic ideals. Protests remain a legitimate and vital form of public expression in any democracy,” the statement added.

FENRAD further emphasized that security concerns must not trump human rights, noting, “Peaceful protest should not be equated with violence. Presuming criminality against peaceful demonstrators violates both domestic laws and international legal standards.”

The group called on the Nigerian government, including the police and security agencies, to reconsider the restrictive stance and permit citizens to exercise their rights freely within the bounds of the law.

“We urge civil society, the legal fraternity, the international community, and all defenders of democracy to stand resolutely in support of civil liberties in Nigeria. Democracy should be more than rhetoric—it must be reflected in how authorities treat dissenting voices, especially those advocating for justice and human rights,” the statement concluded.