Court extends protest restrictions to MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja

Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has extended the order restricting participants in the hunger protest against the federal government to the MKO Abiola Stadium, also known as the National Stadium.

The extension was granted on Tuesday following an application by Ogwu James Onoja SAN, representing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

During the proceedings, none of the eleven defendants appeared in court or were represented by legal counsel. However, the FCT Minister’s lawyer brought to the judge’s attention a statement from one Damilare Adenola, who suggested that the nationwide protests might be extended beyond the initial 10 days.

Onoja SAN argued that, given the defendants’ absence and the uncertainty regarding their next steps, extending the order was necessary to maintain peace in the FCT.

The judge granted the request, affirming that the order from July 31 remains in effect. He scheduled the hearing of the motion on notice for August 22.

On July 31, Chief Onoja SAN had successfully argued for an interim injunction restraining the five leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading along roadways, streets, offices, or public premises within the FCT from August 1 to August 10, or beyond, pending the determination of the motion on notice. He also sought an order directing security agencies to prevent these gatherings during the same period.

The minister indicated that while the federal government was not opposed to the protest, intelligence and security reports suggested that certain leaders might use the protest to cause disruption, damage public facilities, block roadways, and disturb public peace.