A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has mandated that participants in the August 1 hunger protest against the federal government be restricted to the MKO Abiola Stadium, also known as the National Stadium.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the order on Wednesday in Abuja while ruling on an ex-parte application submitted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The application, argued by Chief Ogwu James Onoja, sought an interim injunction to prevent the five leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading along any roadways, streets, offices, and public premises within the FCT from August 1 to 10, or any subsequent days, pending the determination of the motion on notice.
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Additionally, the minister requested an interim injunction directing security agencies to enforce this restriction and prevent the protesting leaders from gathering in these areas during the specified period.
The minister, who stated that the federal government does not oppose the protest, cited intelligence and security reports indicating that some protest leaders might use the demonstration to cause damage to public facilities, obstruct roadways, and disrupt public peace.
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He also mentioned that security agencies, when consulted, indicated they were not adequately equipped to handle potential crises arising from the protest on short notice, thus recommending preventive measures.
An exhibit from the “Take it Back Movement, FCT”, signed by one Damilare Adenola, was presented, which included threats to invade the Presidential Villa and dismantle security barriers during the protest, along with demands for lighting and sanitation facilities.
In his ruling, Justice Oriji acknowledged the protesters’ rights but restricted them to the stadium due to the minister’s genuine concerns about potential disruptions.
“In the light of the above, the court considers it appropriate and expedient to grant an order under the omnibus or general prayer to ensure that the rights of the protesters are guaranteed and that the protest does not negatively or adversely affect the rights of other citizens to move about and to ensure that properties and other public facilities are not destroyed,” the judge held.
He therefore ordered the 1st to 5th respondents to confine the protest to the Moshood Abiola Stadium only.
Additionally, the court directed that the legal processes and the confinement order be served on the respondents through publication in newspapers.
The defendants in the suit include Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, and other unnamed individuals, as well as the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Director General of the State Security Service, Director General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and Chief of Naval Staff, listed as the 1st to 12th respondents.
