Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday fixed September 4 to hear the motion on notice filed by the FCT Minister against the participants in the August 1-10 #EndBadGovernance protest in the Territory.
The minister had approached the court, seeking, among others, an order restraining the five leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading themselves along any roadways, streets, offices and public premises within FCT between August 1 and 10, or any other day thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The respondents in the suit are Omoyele Sowore; Damilare Adenola; Adama Ukpabi; Tosin Harsogba; persons unknown; Inspector General of Police; Commissioner of Police.
Others are the Director General of the State Security Service; Director General, Nigeria Civil Defense Corps; Chief of Army Staff; Chief of Air Staff; Chief of Naval Staff as 1st to 12th respondents.
Following an exparte application filed by the minister in the case and argued by Dr Ogwu Onoja SAN, the court had on July 31 ordered the protesters to restrict their protest to the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
While granting the order, Justice Oriji had acknowledged the rights of protesters to embark on protest, but added that the restricting order was granted in view of the genuine fears expressed by the minister.
“In the light of the above, the court considers it appropriate and expedient to grant an order under the omnibus or general prayer to ensure that the rights of the protesters are guaranteed,” the judge held.
On August 13, the judge further affirmed that the order of July 31 remained valid and in force.
At the resumed hearing of the case today, counsel for the minister, Moses Ebute SAN, informed the court that they (plaintiff) were yet to serve the motion on notice on the respondents.
He, therefore, sought an adjournment to enable them to serve the motion on notice on the respondents.
Counsel for 1st to 4th respondents, Dr S.M Oyeghe, did not oppose the application for adjournment but rather asked for the motion to be served on them in the court.
The other respondents were neither present in court nor had legal representatives in attendance.
Based on the development, Justice Oriji adjourned the case to September 4 for hearing and directed the counsel for the plaintiff to serve the motion on notice on the respondents.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE