PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
A Federal Capital Territory High Court has issued an order prohibiting protesters from taking to the streets of the capital city, restricting them to the MKO Abiola Stadium.
Ruling in an ex-parte application brought before him by FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, Justice Sylvanus Chinedu Oriji, restricted participants in the proposed #EndBadGovernance Protest from the streets.
The protesters requested permission from the minister to use Eagle Square, but Wike insisted they follow the proper procedures.
Nevertheless, the protesters threatened to occupy the facility regardless of official approval.
The judge ruled that the protest should be held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, commonly referred to as the National Stadium.
The judge ruled: “Leave is granted to the claimant/applicant (FCT Minister) to serve the originating processes (writ of summons) and all subsequent processes in this suit on the defendants/respondents by substituted means, to wit: through newspaper publications and print media.
“The 1st Defendants/Respondents, while embarking on the planned protest from 1/8/2024 to 10/8/2024 in exercise of their constitutional rights, are to use the Moshood Abiola Stadium in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja only and are restrained by an order of interim injunction from gathering in any other place pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”
The court made an order in response to an ex parte application filed by Mr. James Onoja (SAN) against various individuals and groups, including Mr. Omoyele Sowore and the “Take It Back Movement,” as well as several security agencies and their leaders.
The application named numerous respondents and defendants, including the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the DSS, and the Chiefs of the Army, Air, and Naval Staff.
The FCT Minister requested a temporary injunction to prevent the five protest leaders from assembling or marching on any roads, streets, offices, or public spaces in the FCT from August 1 to August 10, or any subsequent days, until the court hears and decides on the motion.
Additionally, he sought a separate interim injunction requiring security agencies to prevent the protest leaders from assembling or marching on any roads, offices, or public premises within the FCT from August 1 to August 10, pending the court’s hearing of his motion.
Although the minister stated that the federal government supports the right to protest, he expressed concerns that certain individuals within the protest leadership aim to exploit the situation, causing destruction, blocking roads, and disrupting public order.
He claimed that security agencies warned him of their limited capacity to handle potential chaos and advised preventive measures.
The judge added: “The point must, however, be made that in the exercise of the right to protest, every citizen has an obligation to ensure that the properties of other citizens and of the government, and other public facilities are not destroyed.
“In the affidavit in support of the motion, the claimant/applicant has stated facts to the effect that the proposed strike by the group called Take It Back is likely to lead to destruction of public facilities and prevent movement of persons and vehicles, in addition to disturbance of public peace and order.”
The judge ordered the service of the notice of hearing on the respondents and defendants by substitute means and fixed August 13 for the hearing of the case.
Persecondnews recalls that Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, has been advocating for protests in designated areas, citing this as the most effective way to prevent damage to public infrastructure and private property.
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