BREAKING: Court Extends Order Restricting Abuja #EndBadGovernance Protesters To National Stadium

In a ruling on Tuesday, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, under the leadership of Justice Sylvanus Oriji, prolonged the injunction limiting participants in the #EndBadGovernance protest against the Federal Government to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Naija News reports that Justice Oriji granted the extension following a motion presented by Dr. Ogwu James Onoja (SAN), representing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

During the proceedings, none of the 11 defendants were present in court, nor were they represented by legal counsel. However, the FCT minister’s attorney highlighted a statement from one Damilare Adenola, who warned that the nationwide protests might extend beyond the initially planned 10 days.

The counsel contended that, given the absence of the defendants and the uncertainty surrounding their future actions, it was prudent to extend the order to maintain peace within the FCT.

In a concise ruling, the judge approved the request and confirmed that the order issued on July 31, 2024, remains effective.

The judge then scheduled a hearing for the motion on notice for August 22, 2024.

On July 31, Justice Oriji considered an ex-parte application presented by Onoja on behalf of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The application sought an interim injunction to prohibit the five leaders of the protesting groups from assembling or demonstrating on any roads, streets, offices, or public premises within the FCT from August 1 to August 10, or on any subsequent dates, until the motion on notice is heard and resolved.

Additionally, another request for an interim injunction was made, directing security agencies to prevent the protesting leaders from gathering or demonstrating on any roads, offices, or public premises within the FCT during the same period, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

The Minister stated that while the Federal Government does not oppose the protest, intelligence and security reports suggested that certain individuals among the protest leaders might exploit the planned demonstration to instigate chaos, inflict irreparable damage to public property, obstruct roadways, hinder the movement of people and vehicles, and disrupt public order.