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.