A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory has restricted the August 1 hunger protest to the MKO Abiola Stadium, also known as the National Stadium.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the restriction on Wednesday in Abuja while ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The application, argued by Chief Ogwu James Onoja, sought an interim injunction to prevent the five leaders of the protest from gathering or marching in any roadways, streets, offices, or public spaces within the FCT from August 1 to 10, or any subsequent days until the motion is fully heard.
The Minister requested another injunction mandating security agencies to enforce this restriction.
He claimed that while the federal government does not oppose the protest, intelligence reports suggested that some protest leaders might use the event to cause damage to public facilities, block roadways, and disrupt public order.
The Minister also presented evidence from the “Take It Back Movement, FCT,” signed by Damilare Adenola, threatening to invade the Presidential Villa and damage security barriers. They also demanded lighting and sanitation facilities for the protest.
Justice Oriji acknowledged the protesters’ right to assemble but granted the restriction to the stadium based on the Minister’s concerns.
He stated, “The court deems it necessary to ensure the protest does not infringe on other citizens’ rights or damage public property.”
The court ordered that the protest be confined to the stadium and directed that the legal documents and restriction order be published in newspapers.
The defendants in the case include Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, and others, including high-ranking security officials.
