Court Orders Abuja Protesters To Gather Only At National Stadium

Court Orders Abuja Protesters To Gather Only At National Stadium

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has limited the planned August 1 hunger protest to the MKO Abiola Stadium, also known as the National Stadium. This decision was made by Justice Sylvanus Oriji in Abuja on Wednesday, following an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike……… CONTINUE READING

In the application presented by Ogwu James Onoja, the minister sought a temporary injunction to prevent the five leaders of the protest from assembling or parading on roads, streets, offices, or public areas within the FCT between August 1 and 10, or any other date thereafter, until the motion on notice is heard. The minister also requested an order for security agencies to obstruct the protest leaders from gathering in these areas.

The minister argued that while the federal government does not oppose the protest, security reports suggested that some protesters might use it to create disturbances, damage public property, and block roadways. He noted that security forces are not adequately prepared for potential crises and preferred to address the issue proactively.

The minister presented a document from the “Take it Back Movement, FCT,” signed by Damilare Adenola, which included threats to invade the Presidential Villa and dismantle its outer barriers. The protesters also demanded that the FCT provide lighting and sanitation facilities during the protest.

Justice Oriji acknowledged the protesters’ right to demonstrate but decided to restrict their activities to the stadium due to the legitimate concerns raised by the minister. The judge emphasized that this restriction would safeguard the rights of other citizens and protect public property.

Thus, Justice Oriji ordered that the protest be confined to the Moshood Abiola Stadium. The court also mandated that the court documents and the restriction order be published in newspapers.

The defendants in the case include Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, and others, along with high-ranking officials such as the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff.

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