People
Court restricts protesters in Abuja to National Stadium

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has issued an order restricting participants in the August 1 hunger protest against the federal government to the MKO Abiola Stadium, also known as the National Stadium. This ruling, delivered by Justice Sylvanus Oriji, comes amidst concerns of potential unrest and disruption.
The order was granted following an ex-parte application by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), argued by Chief Ogwu James Onoja. The FCT Minister sought an interim injunction to prevent the protest leaders from gathering or parading along roadways, streets, offices, and public premises within the FCT from August 1 to 10.
Security Concerns and Government Response
The Minister cited intelligence reports indicating that some protest leaders might use the event to cause havoc, damage public facilities, and block roadways. He emphasized that the federal government does not oppose the protest itself but is concerned about maintaining public order.
The minister also revealed that security agencies advised against the protest due to inadequate resources to manage potential crises. They suggested prevention as the best approach.
An exhibit from the “Take it Back Movement, FCT,” signed by Damilare Adenola, included threats to invade the Presidential Villa and pull down outer wires facing Aso Rock during the protest. The movement also demanded that the FCT provide light and toilets for the protest duration.
Court Ruling and Conditions
Recognizing the protesters’ rights, Justice Oriji ruled to restrict the protest to the stadium to balance the demonstrators’ rights with public safety concerns. “The court considers it appropriate and expedient 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,” the judge stated.
Service of Processes
The court ordered the service of processes and the confinement order on the respondents by publication in newspapers. Defendants in the suit include Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, and other unknown persons, along with the heads of various security agencies.
This decision aims to ensure a peaceful protest while safeguarding public infrastructure and maintaining order in the nation’s capital.