JUST IN: Abuja Court Restricts Protesters to MKO Abiola Stadium

Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ruled that protesters scheduled to demonstrate on August 1 must confine their activities to the MKO Abiola Stadium. This decision came as part of an ex-parte application submitted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The minister, represented by his counsel Ogwu Onoja, sought an interim injunction to prevent the protest leaders from organizing or participating in any public gatherings on roadways, streets, or public premises in the FCT from August 1 to August 10, pending further court deliberations.

Wike argued that while the government respects the right to protest, intelligence reports indicated that certain protest leaders might exploit the event to incite violence and disrupt public order. He expressed concerns about the potential for significant damage to public property and obstruction of traffic.

Furthermore, Wike contended that security agencies had informed him they were not adequately prepared to handle any sudden unrest resulting from the protest. To preempt any potential chaos, he requested the court’s intervention to limit the protest to a controlled environment.

Justice Oriji acknowledged the protesters’ rights but emphasized the necessity of balancing these rights with public safety and order. “The court finds it appropriate to grant an order to ensure that the rights of the protesters are upheld while protecting the rights of other citizens and preventing damage to public property,” he stated.

Consequently, the court ordered that the protest be held exclusively at the Moshood Abiola Stadium. Additionally, the ruling mandated that the confinement order be published in newspapers to notify all involved parties.

The respondents in the case include prominent activists Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, and other unidentified persons, along with top security officials such as the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police, and heads of various national security and defense agencies.