The Kwara State Magistrates Court has issued a directive limiting the organizers of the scheduled hunger protest in the state from August 1-10 to the Metropolitan Square in Ilorin, the capital city.
Chief Magistrate Jibril Salihu, who presided over the court, granted an exparte order on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. He concurred with the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Sulyman, who expressed concerns that allowing the protest to proceed without restrictions could result in violent outcomes.
The respondents named in the case include the Director of State Security Service, Kwara State; the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command; the Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp; and the Take-It-Back Movement, among others.
Salihu stated, “After reviewing the arguments presented by Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, the Attorney-General of Kwara State, and carefully examining the affidavit and written address in support of the motion ex-parte, the following orders are hereby granted:
“An interim injunction is issued, restraining the 4th-6th respondents or any persons acting on their behalf from organizing any form of protest, rally, procession, or meeting in any location other than the Metropolitan Square/Asa Dam Road, Kwara State, for a period of seven days starting from August 1, 2024.
“Additionally, the 1st-3rd respondents are directed to provide adequate security to safeguard the lives and properties of all citizens and residents of Kwara State, as well as the government infrastructure, from any actions by the 4th-6th respondents during the seven-day period starting from August 1, 2024, or until further notice pending the outcome of the motion on notice,” Salihu added.
He also instructed that “all court documents related to this case be served to the 4th-6th respondents by posting them at the High Court of Justice premises.”
The court scheduled the next hearing in the case for August 14, 2024.
The nationwide protest, planned in response to the challenging economic conditions faced by the populace, has stirred significant public interest.