Lagos High Court Limits August 1 Nationwide Protest to Specific Parks
The Lagos High Court approves an ex parte application submitted by the State’s Attorney General, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Lawal Pedro, placing restrictions on the nationwide protest planned for August 1. Under the court’s order, the protest will be confined to two designated locations in Lagos: Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu between.
This ruling is aimed at managing the potential impact of the protest on public order and ensuring that it is conducted in a controlled manner. The decision reflects an effort to balance the right to protest with considerations of public safety and order.
Lagos High Court Grants Interim Injunction to Restrict August 1 Nationwide Protest
Justice Emmanuel Ogundare granted the order of pre-emptive remedy by way of an interim injunction to restrict the defendants from converging and carrying out the proposed protests in Lagos from Aug 1-10th except in the two approved locations from 8 am to 6 pm.
Listed in the application as defendants are Adamma Ukpabi and Tosin Harsogba (for Active Citizens Group); Comrade Juwon Sanyaolu and Hassan Soweto (for Take it Back Movement); Persons unknown and Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
While moving his application before the court, the Attorney General Lawal Pedro, argued that as the Chief Law Officer of the State and having been privy to notices by different interests who are for and against the nationwide protest, there is a need to protect the critical infrastructures of the state and prevent an irreparable loss of lives and property as witnessed during the EndSARS protest in 2020
Pedro highlighted that while the right to public protest is recognized, it is crucial to prevent any unlawful destruction of lives and property. To balance this, the Lagos State Government has designated Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park and Peace Park as the only approved locations for protests. Pedro emphasized that allowing protests across all local councils and public areas for ten days could lead to significant economic disruption, amounting to economic sabotage.
Attorney General Lawal Pedro argued that the Lagos State Police lacks the resources to secure all planned protest sites and expressed concerns about potential disruption and damage. He emphasized that the court order would protect both the protesters’ rights and public order.
Justice Ogundare approved all the reliefs sought, ensuring the protest is limited to the designated areas to maintain public safety.
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