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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.
News
Over 60 Injured in Drone Strike on Northern Israel
More than 60 people have been injured following a drone strike in northern Israel’s Binyamina region, according to emergency response organization United Hatzalah. The attack, claimed by Hezbollah, targeted a training camp of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Golani Brigade, located between Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The victims, whose conditions range from critical to mild, were evacuated to five regional hospitals via ambulances and helicopters. Israeli media reported that 67 people were injured in total, with four in critical condition and five others seriously wounded.
Hezbollah’s media office said the strike was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut earlier this week. The group used a “swarm of drones” in the attack, and reports suggest the low-level drones launched from Lebanon did not trigger Israel’s early warning alarms.
Footage showed wounded individuals being rushed into emergency vehicles, including helicopters, as medical teams worked swiftly to provide care. The injured were taken to hospitals in Hadera, Tel Hashomer, Haifa, Afula, and Netanya, where medical teams are working to stabilize those in critical condition.
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Officials Urge Caution in Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: ‘Don’t Go Sightseeing’
Although Hurricane Milton has passed, officials are warning residents across Florida to remain cautious as the storm’s lingering effects, including severe flooding, continue to pose risks. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, rescue teams have been hard at work after the river overflowed, causing over 6 feet (1.8 meters) of flooding. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, traveling by boat, has been ensuring the safety of residents in the flood-affected areas.
While multiple Florida ports have reopened, including Key West, Port Everglades, and Miami, several remain closed, such as those in St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville. Georgia and South Carolina have also seen some port reopenings, but many areas still face closures and flooding risks.
President Biden provided an update on the storm’s damage, estimating the total cost to be around $50 billion. He emphasized that more financial aid would be necessary and called on Congress to approve additional funds as the true extent of the damage is assessed.
Officials are also urging people to stay off the roads and avoid “sightseeing” in affected areas to prevent further accidents or fatalities. “We’re going to need a lot of help,” Biden said, stressing the long recovery ahead after Milton and Hurricane Helene, which struck the region just weeks earlier.
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Florida Reels as Hurricane Milton Leaves Six Dead and Destruction in its Wake
At least six people have died after Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, leaving behind a trail of destruction. As emergency responders navigate floodwaters and clear debris from fallen trees and power lines, the full extent of the storm’s toll remains unclear.
In St. Lucie County, four people lost their lives after multiple tornadoes struck the region. In central Florida’s St. Petersburg, police chief Anthony Halloway confirmed two more deaths.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, acknowledging the uncertain scope of the damage and the dangers that remain. He emphasized that while the storm has passed, the aftermath can often bring additional fatalities. “There’s still very dangerous conditions in the state,” Biden warned.
He also stressed the need for substantial financial aid to support the state’s recovery. Biden called on Congress, currently in recess, to return and address the urgent emergency funding needs, underscoring that Florida’s recovery will be a “long haul” requiring billions of dollars in aid.
The president assured that immediate relief efforts are underway, ensuring that residents affected by the storm receive the support they need.
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