Lagos State High Court Limits Protests to Two Designated Venues
In a move aimed at maintaining public safety and prevent potential chaos, the Lagos State High Court has extended an earlier order restricting protests in Lagos to only two designated venues. Justice Sherifat Sonaike made the ruling on Tuesday, citing the need to protect critical infrastructure and prevent irreparable loss of lives and property.
The court order, which was sought by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, restricts protesters to the Freedom and Peace Parks in the Ojota and Ketu areas of the state. The order was made following an application by Pedro, who argued that the state needs to continue enjoying the relative peace being experienced despite the ongoing protests across the country.
In her ruling, Justice Sonaike noted that she was satisfied with the Attorney-General’s compliance with the orders of Justice Emmanuel Ogundare, who had earlier granted a preemptive exparte application seeking to maintain and secure public safety during the protests. Sonaike extended the restriction order until full compliance with the pre-action protocols, setting a return date of August 29, 2024.
“The lifespan of the intended order is hereby extended until there is full compliance with the protocol,” Justice Sonaike said. “Pre-emptive relief, earlier granted, is hereby extended.”
The application was made against representatives of protest groups, including Adamma Ukpabi and Tosin Harsogba (for Active Citizens Group), Juwon Sanyaolu and Hassan Soweto (for Take it Back Movement), and Persons unknown. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, was also listed as a co-defendant.
Pedro, who was represented in court by the Director for Civil Litigations, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, argued that the state needs to protect its critical infrastructure and prevent an irreparable loss of lives and property, as witnessed during the EndSARS protest in 2020.
As the Chief Law Officer of the State, Pedro said he had been privy to notices by different interests who are for and against the nationwide protest. He emphasized the need to maintain and secure public safety, prevent irreparable loss of lives and property, and protect the critical infrastructure of the state.
The court’s decision comes as protests continue to rock the country, with demonstrators calling for an end to bad governance. While the protests have been largely peaceful, there are concerns about potential violence and disruption of public order.
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