A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has issued a ruling imposing significant restrictions on the August 1 hunger protest against the federal government, limiting the demonstration to the MKO Abiola stadium, also known as the National Stadium.
This decision was made in response to concerns about potential violence and disruption of public peace, as expressed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister had filed an ex-parte application seeking an interim injunction to restrain the protest leaders from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, street, office, or public premises within the FCT between August 1 and 10.
The application was made due to fears that the protest could be hijacked by elements intent on causing chaos and destruction.
According to the minister, intelligence and security reports indicated that some individuals within the leadership of the protesters planned to capitalize on the demonstration to cause havoc, inflict irreparable damage on public facilities, block roadways, and disturb public peace.
The minister also claimed that security agencies were not adequately equipped to manage any crisis that may arise from the planned protest at short notice, and therefore advised that prevention was better than cure.
In his ruling, Justice Sylvanus Oriji recognized the rights of the protesters to embark on the protest but imposed restrictions to ensure that the demonstration does not negatively impact the rights of other citizens and to prevent destruction of properties and public facilities.
The court’s decision was made to strike a balance between the rights of the protesters and the need to maintain public order and safety.
The defendants in the suit include Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, and several security agencies.
The court also ordered the service of processes in the suit as well as the confinement order on the respondents by placing the same in the newspapers.
This ruling highlights the complex interplay between the right to protest and the need to maintain public order in a democratic society.
