The scheduled hearing in the police suit against rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other conveners of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest was on Monday stalled following the closure of all courtrooms at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
According to the sources, as of 9:30 a.m., when the reporter arrived at the court premises — a high-rise complex housing no fewer than 13 courtrooms — all the doors were under lock and key, bringing judicial activities to a complete halt.
Lawyers, litigants, and journalists who had gathered for various proceedings were seen milling around the premises, waiting for updates on the situation.
The case involving Sowore and others was expected to come up before Justice Inyang Ekwo for hearing on alleged public disturbance and unlawful assembly charges filed by the Nigeria Police Force.
However, the sudden suspension of court activities forced an indefinite adjournment of the matter. No official reason was immediately given for the closure, though court staff hinted it might be connected to internal administrative issues affecting the judiciary.
A lawyer familiar with the case, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment over the development, describing it as a setback for justice and due process.
“This is a sensitive case attracting public attention. It’s unfortunate that proceedings could not hold today due to circumstances beyond the control of the parties.”
As at the time of filing this report, both Sowore and some of his supporters were seen around the court premises before later departing when it became clear that no sitting would take place.
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which Sowore has been leading across several cities, seeks the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who remains in detention despite multiple court rulings ordering his release.
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