The order was given by Justice Oriji in response to an ex-parte appeal that Ogwu Onoja and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had placed before the court.
According to Wike, the Federal Government was not against the protest.
He did point out, nevertheless, that intelligence and security inputs suggested that some protestor leadership members planned to utilize the demonstration to wreak havoc, destroy public property, obstruct traffic, and disturb the quiet
The minister claimed that he was told by security services that they had the necessary resources to quickly handle possible problems when he called them to make sure the protest would not turn violent or disruptive.
To avoid any problems, it was decided that it would be best to call off the demonstration.
The demonstrators demanded that the FCT provide them with lighting and restrooms during the protest. The minister displayed an exhibit from the “Take it Back Movement, FCT,” which was signed by Damilare Adenola. The group allegedly threatened to invade the Presidential Villa and damage the outer wires facing Aso Rock during the protest.
In order to prevent the protesting groups’ leaders from congregating or parading along any roads, streets, offices, or public spaces within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from August 1–10, or on any other day thereafter, Wike requested a temporary injunction. This order would remain in effect while the motion is heard and decided.
Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, unnamed individuals, and the Inspector-General of Police are among the defendants in the lawsuit.
Judge Oriji’s decision recognized the demonstrators’ right to demonstrate, but it limited their actions to the stadium in response to the FCT minister’s concerns.
“In light of the above, the court finds it appropriate and expedient to grant an order under the omnibus or general prayer to ensure that the rights of the protesters are upheld while preventing negative impacts on other citizens’ rights to movement and ensuring that properties and public facilities are not destroyed,” the judge said.
Hence, he ordered the first to fifth respondents to use the Moshood Abiola Stadium exclusively for the protest.
The court also ordered that the service of processes in the suit, including the confinement order, be published in newspapers.
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