Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has issued a ruling restricting participants of the upcoming August 1 hardship protest to the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. The ruling came in response to concerns raised by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who expressed fears of potential unrest and damage during the protest.
Wike, who presented intelligence and security reports indicating possible disruptions by some protest leaders, applied for an injunction to prevent the protest from escalating into criminal activity. The court granted the injunction, restraining protest leaders from gathering in public areas during the specified period.
In his ruling, Justice Oriji emphasized the protesters’ right to demonstrate but prioritized public safety and property protection. He ordered the protest to be confined to the stadium to ensure the peaceful exercise of free speech without endangering others.
The court also mandated the publication of the injunction in newspapers to inform the respondents, which include protest leaders and the Inspector-General of Police. This decision aims to maintain order and security while upholding the rights of both protesters and the general public.