Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has extended an order confining participants in the ongoing 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 FCT Minister.
During the session, none of the eleven defendants appeared in court or were represented by legal counsel. The FCT Minister’s lawyer pointed out a statement from protest leader Damilare Adenola, who hinted that the protests might extend beyond the initial 10-day period.
Onoja argued that, given the defendants’ absence and the uncertainty surrounding their intentions, it was necessary to prolong the order to prevent any disruption of peace in the FCT.
In a brief ruling, Justice Oriji upheld the order from July 31, affirming its validity and continued enforcement. The case was adjourned until August 22 for the hearing of the motion on notice.
The original order, sought by the FCT Minister on July 31, had requested an interim injunction to prevent the leaders of the protest from assembling or parading on roadways, streets, offices, or public premises within the FCT from August 1 to 10. The minister cited intelligence reports suggesting that some elements within the protest leadership might use the event to incite violence, damage public property, block roadways, and disturb public peace.
NNEOMA UDENSI
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