The FCT High Court has restricted the August 1 protest to the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, following concerns about public safety. Read more about the court's ruling and the reasons behind it.
July 31, 2024 - High Court Ruling
Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has issued a significant ruling regarding the upcoming August 1 protest against hardship in the country. The ruling restricts the protesters to the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, in response to security concerns raised by the Federal Government.
The decision followed an ex-parte application submitted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and argued by Ogwu Onoja. While the Federal Government did not oppose the protest, Minister Wike highlighted intelligence and security reports suggesting that certain elements within the protest leadership intended to use the demonstration as a cover to cause public disorder, damage infrastructure, and disrupt public peace.
Wike further reported that security agencies indicated they were not fully prepared to manage potential crises on short notice, leading to the decision to confine the protest to a controlled environment.
Photo Credit: The federal high court of Abuja
The minister's application included an exhibit from the "Take it Back Movement, FCT," signed by Damilare Adenola, which allegedly contained threats to invade the Presidential Villa and damage its outer perimeter during the protest. The group also demanded that the FCT provide lighting and toilet facilities during the demonstration.
Justice Oriji, while acknowledging the right to protest, emphasized the need to balance this right with the protection of other citizens' rights to movement and the preservation of public property. The court thus granted an interim injunction, restricting the leaders of the protest from gathering or parading on public streets and other premises within the FCT from August 1-10, or any subsequent date, pending further hearings.
The respondents named in the suit include prominent activists Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, and others, along with the Inspector-General of Police.
The court ordered that the protest be confined to the Moshood Abiola Stadium and mandated that the confinement order be published in newspapers to ensure widespread awareness.
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