On Wednesday, Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja issued a ruling limiting the August 1 protest participants to the MKO Abiola Stadium. The decision came after an ex-parte application by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, represented by Ogwu Onoja.
Wike clarified that while the Federal Government does not oppose the protest, intelligence and security reports indicated that some elements within the protest's leadership might use the event to incite violence, damage public property, block roads, and disrupt public peace. The minister expressed concerns that security forces might not be adequately equipped to handle any potential crises that could arise.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed with our WhatsApp channel! Never miss out on the news that matters to you!
An exhibit from the “Take it Back Movement, FCT,” signed by Damilare Adenola, was presented, suggesting plans to invade the Presidential Villa and damage outer security fences during the protest. Additionally, the group requested that the FCT provide lighting and toilet facilities during the event.
Wike sought an interim injunction to prevent the protesters from assembling or parading on any public roads, streets, offices, or premises within the FCT from August 1-10, or any other day thereafter, until a decision on the motion on notice is reached.
The respondents in the suit include Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, and the Inspector-General of Police, among others. Justice Oriji, acknowledging the protesters' right to demonstrate, nonetheless confined them to the Moshood Abiola Stadium to balance this right with the need to protect public safety and property.
The court also directed that the order be published in newspapers to ensure public awareness.
0 Comments