Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has confined the August 1 hardship protest to the MKO Abiola Stadium. This ruling came after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, filed an ex-parte application, argued by Ogwu Onoja.
Wike emphasized that while the Federal Government is not against the protest, intelligence and security reports suggest that some protest leaders plan to cause chaos, damage public property, block roads, and disrupt public order.
Wike stated that security agencies, when consulted, revealed they were not prepared to manage potential crises on short notice. To mitigate such risks, it was decided to restrict the protest.
The minister presented a document from the “Take it Back Movement, FCT,” signed by Damilare Adenola, threatening to invade the Presidential Villa and damage outer wires facing Aso Rock during the protest, while demanding the FCT provide lighting and toilet facilities.
Wike sought an interim injunction to prevent the protest leaders from gathering on roads, streets, or public premises in the FCT from August 1-10, or any day thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The respondents in the case include Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, unidentified persons, and the Inspector-General of Police, among others.
Justice Oriji acknowledged the protesters’ right to demonstrate but limited the protest to the stadium due to the minister’s concerns. He granted an order to ensure the protesters’ rights while protecting citizens’ movement and public property.
The first to fifth respondents were ordered to use Moshood Abiola Stadium exclusively for the protest. Additionally, the court mandated the publication of the confinement order and related suit processes in newspapers.
