Court Extends Order Restricting Hunger Protest to National Stadium

A Federal High Court in Abuja has extended an order limiting a planned hunger protest against the federal government to the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji granted the extension following an application by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, represented by Ogwu James Onoja, SAN.

The order, initially set to expire on August 10, will now remain in effect until further notice.

The court decision comes amid concerns about the potential for disruptions during the planned protest.

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The FCT Minister had argued that intelligence reports indicated a risk of violence, property damage, and public disturbance.

Despite the absence of the protest organizers in court, the judge deemed it necessary to extend the restriction to maintain public order. The matter has been adjourned to August 22 for further hearing.

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The initial order, issued on July 31, had sought to prevent the protest leaders from gathering or protesting anywhere in the FCT except for the designated stadium.

The government maintains that it is not opposed to peaceful protests but is determined to prevent any breaches of the peace.