Lagos court restricts protests to two locations
The Lagos High Court has issued an order restricting protesters to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, and Peace Park, Ketu. Justie Emmanuel Ogundare gave the order based on the application filed by Mr. Lawal Pedro, the attorney-general of Lagos state.
The respondents 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.
Lawal stated in his application that he was aware of the “notices by different interests who are for and against the nationwide protest”. Therefore, he feels the “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.”
He also stated that the police lack sufficient personnel to police all the local government councils, public highways, and other areas of public access in the State.
“In recognition of the citizens’ fundamental right to stage public protest against government policies and actions but prevent unlawful destruction of lives and properties in the process, the Lagos State Government has designated two public spaces and locations in the State where citizens can meet and converge to protest or express their displeasure against government. The locations are Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos State and Peace Park, Ketu, Lagos State,” he said.
He added, “Public protest in all the local government councils and public highways as well as other areas of public access in the State for 10 days is a deliberate plan to shut down the State and if this is allowed it will amount to economic sabotage.
“An order of court is required in the circumstances so as to protect the fundamental rights of 1st to 5th Defendants/Respondents to protest and other residents opposed to the protest to go about their lawful without harassment, disturbance and destruction of public buildings/properties.”
After listening to his argument, Justice Ogundare granted all the reliefs sought in the application.
Justice Ogundare also ordered the police “to provide security support and traffic management support” to the protest planners “at the approved designated location between “8am to 6pm on 1st -10% August, 2024, pending compliance with the pre-action protocol by the Claimant.”
