Participants in the hunger protest against the federal government scheduled for August 1 have been directed by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to gather exclusively at the MKO Abiola stadium, popularly known as the National Stadium.
The order was issued by Justice Sylvanus Oriji in Abuja during the ruling of an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Chief Ogwu James Onoja presented the ex-parte application on behalf of the FCT Minister, seeking an interim injunction to prevent the five leaders of the protesting groups from assembling or showcasing themselves in any public areas within the FCT from August 1 to 10, or any subsequent day, until the pending motion is resolved.
Additionally, a request was made for a temporary order compelling security agencies to deter the protesting leaders from gathering in public spaces within the FCT during the stated period.
The FCT Minister emphasized that while the government supports the right to protest, there are concerns about potential disruptions and damage to public facilities being planned by certain elements within the protest leadership.
He stated that security agencies expressed their limitations in managing a potential crisis arising from the protest promptly, hence the preference for preventive measures.
A document submitted by the “Take it Back Movement, FCT” group, signed by Damilare Adenola, was also presented as evidence. The document indicated threats of invading the Presidential Villa and damaging surrounding structures during the protest.
Furthermore, the protesters demanded lighting and toilet facilities from the FCT authorities for the duration of the protest.
Justice Oriji, acknowledging the protesters’ rights to demonstrate, restricted their assembly to the stadium due to the legitimate concerns raised by the minister.
The judge concluded that it was necessary to ensure the protesters’ rights are upheld without infringing on the rights of other citizens to free movement or risking damage to public properties and facilities.
As per the court ruling, the 1st to 5th respondents are directed to utilize the Moshood Abiola Stadium exclusively for the protest.
Additionally, the court ordered the service of legal documents and the confinement order to the respondents through newspaper publications.
The named respondents in the suit include Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, unspecified individuals, the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Director General of the State Security Service, Director General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and Chief of Naval Staff.