Court Orders Restriction on Abuja Protest Locations to National Stadium

 

Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued an ex-parte order restricting the location of upcoming protests in Abuja to the National Stadium, also known as the MKO Abiola Stadium. The decision comes in response to an application filed by the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike.

The nationwide protest, planned to begin tomorrow, aims to address economic hardships faced by Nigerians. However, concerns raised by the FCT Minister led to the court action. Chief Ogwu Onoja, SAN, representing the Minister, sought an interim injunction to prevent the five leaders of the protest from congregating or parading along roadways, streets, offices, and public areas within the FCT from August 1 to August 10.

The Minister's application included a request for security agencies to enforce this restriction, citing fears of potential disruption and damage to public facilities. The FCT Minister reported intelligence suggesting that some protest leaders might use the event to cause chaos and block traffic, potentially leading to unrest.

An exhibit presented to the court, attributed to the “Take it Back Movement, FCT,” included threats to invade the Presidential Villa and damage its perimeter during the protest. The exhibit also outlined demands for amenities like lighting and toilets for the protesters.

While Justice Oriji acknowledged the right to protest, he emphasized the need to balance this right with public order and safety. The judge granted the order to confine the protest to the Moshood Abiola Stadium to safeguard public and private property and ensure minimal disruption to citizens.

The court also mandated that the service of legal documents related to the suit, including the confinement order, be published in newspapers. The defendants named in the suit include Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, and several high-ranking security officials.

The court's decision reflects ongoing tensions between the right to protest and concerns over public safety and order in Abuja.