Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has extended the order limiting participants in the Abuja hunger protests to the MKO Abiola Stadium, also known as the National Stadium. This decision follows an application from Dr. Ogwu Onoja SAN, representing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The extension was granted after none of the 12 defendants appeared in court or had legal representation. The defendants include prominent figures such as Omoyele Sowore and several heads of security agencies.
The FCT Minister’s lawyer informed the court about a statement by Damilare Adenola, which suggested that the protests might extend beyond the initially planned 10 days. Dr. Onoja argued that the extension of the order was necessary to prevent disruption and ensure public peace.
Justice Oriji granted the request, maintaining the previous order and scheduling the next hearing for August 22. The court emphasized the need to balance the protesters’ rights with the need to maintain public order, restricting the protest to the stadium to prevent any potential disruption to other citizens and public property.
The court also ordered that the defendants be served with a hearing notice before the next adjournment, and the notice of the ruling be published in newspapers.