The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Tuesday extended its earlier order restricting participants in the August 1–10 hunger protest against the federal government to the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja….READ FULL ARTICLE...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the court had on July 31, issued the restricting order while ruling on an ex-parte application brought before it by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The minister, in his application, sought an order of interim injunction restraining the five leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, streets, offices, and public premises within the FCT between August 1 and August 10, or any other day thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
He also sought another order of interim injunction mandating the security agencies to prevent the protesting leaders from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, office, or public premises within the FCT between August 1 and 10, pending the hearing of his motion on notice.
He further claimed that intelligence and security reports reaching him indicated that some elements within the leadership of the protesters intend to capitalise on the planned protest to cause havoc and irreparable damages to public facilities and disturb public peace.
The respondents in the suit are Omoyele Sowore; Damilare Adenola; Adama Ukpabi; Tosin Harsogba; persons unknown; Inspector General of Police; Commissioner of Police; Director General of the State Security Service; Director General, Nigeria Civil Defence Corps; Chief of Army Staff; Chief of Air Staff; and Chief of Naval Staff.
Meanwhile, Justice Oriji has extended the restraining order following an application to that effect which was argued by Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, on behalf of the FCT Minister.
The minister had, through Onoja, drawn the court’s attention to a statement issued by the second defendant, Damilare Adenola, in which she threatened that the nationwide protests may be extended beyond the initial 10 days.
At today’s hearing, none of the defendants were in court and were not represented by any lawyers.
In a brief ruling, Justice Oriji, granted the FCT minister’s request and held that the order of July 31 remains valid and in force.
He has adjourned to August 22 for a hearing of the motion on notice….READ FULL ARTICLE
