The request for extension became necessary in view of threats by those behind the #EndBadGovernence protest to extend it beyond their earlier planned 10 days.
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has extended its earlier order made on July 31 restricting protesters in the FCT to the MKO Abiola Stadium (otherwise known as the National Stadium).
Justice Sylvanus Oriji extended the order while ruling on Tuesday, August 13, on an application for the order’s extension file and argued by Ogwu Onoja (SAN) on behalf of the Minister of the FCT.
Onoja said the request for extension became necessary in view of threats by those behind the #EndBadGovernence protest to extend it beyond their earlier planned 10 days.
None of the respondents in the case were present or represented by a lawyer during Tuesday’s proceedings.
Listed as respondents in the suit are Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, persons unknown, Inspector General IG of Police, Commissioner of Police, Director General of the State Security Service, Director General, Nigeria Civil Defense Corps, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff.
Shortly after the commencement of proceedings, Onoja drew the judge’s attention to a statement by one Damilare Adenola, who allegedly threatened that the nationwide protests may be extended beyond the initial 10 days.
Onoja noted that since the respondents were not in court and no one knew their next plan of action, it was prudent for the court to extend the order to ensure that the peace of the FCT was not unjustly disrupted.
Ruling, Justice Oriji granted the request and added that the order of July 31 remained valid and in force.
The judge subsequently adjourned till August 22 for the hearing of a pending motion on notice filed by the FCT Minister.
Justice Oriji had while issuing the order on July 31 recognised the rights of the protesters to embark on the protest, but said it was necessary to restrict the protesters to the MKO Abiola Stadium given the genuine fears expressed by the FCT Minister.
The judge said: “In the light of the above, the court considers it appropriate and expedient to grant an order under the omnibus or general prayer to ensure that the rights of the protesters are guaranteed and that the protest does not negatively or adversely affect the rights of other citizens to move about and to ensure that properties and other public facilities are not destroyed.”
He ordered the 1st to 5th respondents – Sowore, Adenola, Ukpabi, Harsogba, persons unknown – to “use the Moshood Abiola Stadium” only for the protest.
Justice Oriji ordered the service of processes in the suit as well as the confinement order on the respondents by publishing the same in the newspapers, which has since been done.
– Nation