News
Court Limits Protesters to Abuja Stadium for August 1 Demonstration
Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja ruled on Wednesday that participants in the August 1 hardship protest are restricted to the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. This decision came as part of an ex-parte application brought before the court by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, represented by Ogwu Onoja.
Minister Wike stated that while the Federal Government does not oppose the protest, intelligence and security reports suggested that some elements within the protest’s leadership intended to exploit the event to create chaos, damage public property, block roads, and disturb the peace. When Wike consulted security agencies about managing the protest, they reportedly indicated they were not adequately prepared to handle any potential crises on short notice. Consequently, it was considered prudent to confine the protest to avoid potential issues.
The minister submitted evidence from the “Take it Back Movement, FCT,” signed by Damilare Adenola. The document allegedly included threats to invade the Presidential Villa and damage the outer wires facing Aso Rock during the protest. The group also demanded that the FCT provide lighting and toilet facilities for the protest.
Wike sought an interim injunction to prevent the leaders of the protesting groups from assembling or marching on any roads, streets, offices, or public premises within the FCT from August 1-10, or any other day thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Respondents in the suit include Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, persons unknown, and the Inspector-General of Police, among others.
In his ruling, Justice Oriji acknowledged the protesters’ right to demonstrate but confined them to the stadium due to the concerns raised by the FCT minister. “In light of the above, the court finds it appropriate and expedient to grant an order under the omnibus or general prayer to ensure that the rights of the protesters are upheld while preventing negative impacts on other citizens’ rights to movement and ensuring that properties and public facilities are not destroyed,” the judge stated.
The court directed the first to fifth respondents to conduct their protest exclusively at the Moshood Abiola Stadium. Additionally, the court ordered that the service of processes in the suit, including the confinement order, be published in newspapers to ensure public awareness.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
Iceland Demands Supermarket Rivals Stop Selling Prawn Rings
Coldplay Set to Break Taylor Swift’s Wembley Record with 10-Night Run
Naomi Campbell Banned from Charity Work Following Misuse of Funds
-
Spotlight4 days agoTop Legal Pitfalls Employers Must Avoid to Prevent Wrongful Termination Claims
-
Sports4 days agoBarcelona’s Ter Stegen to Undergo Knee Surgery After Injury
-
Sports4 days ago‘Haaland throwing ball at Gabriel a coward’s move’
-
Business4 days agoBritish Airways Suspends Summer 2025 Flights from Southampton Airport
-
News4 days agoJapan Battles Devastating Floods Following Record Rainfall, Six Dead
-
Entertainment4 days agoDeadline Set for Bids on Historic Peter Pan House in Dumfries
-
Sports4 days agoStones Snatches Late Equaliser to Deny Arsenal Victory at Etihad
-
News14 hours agoIsraeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict