A Lagos High Court has granted an ex-parte application filed by the State’s Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), restricting the scope of a planned nationwide protest in Lagos. The protest, initially scheduled to occur across various locations, has been limited to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and the Peace Park in Ketu. The restriction is set for August 1-10, with protest activities confined to these areas from 8 am to 6 pm daily.
Justice Emmanuel Ogundare issued the interim injunction in response to concerns about public safety and potential property damage. The defendants in the case include Adamma Ukpabi and Tosin Harsogba representing the Active Citizens Group, Comrade Juwon Sanyaolu and Hassan Soweto from the Take it Back Movement, and other unidentified individuals, along with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
Attorney General Pedro argued that the decision was necessary to protect critical infrastructure and prevent a recurrence of violence and destruction akin to the EndSARS protests in 2020. He emphasized the limited capacity of the police force to manage security for widespread protests and the risk of hoodlums hijacking the demonstrations.
Pedro stated that while the state government acknowledges citizens’ rights to protest, the restrictions are intended to balance this right with the need to safeguard public order. “The Lagos State Government has designated two public spaces where citizens can express their displeasure without causing undue disruption,” he noted.
Justice Ogundare’s ruling aligns with the state’s efforts to prevent economic sabotage and ensure that residents can continue their daily activities without interference. The decision underscores the delicate balance between upholding constitutional rights and maintaining public safety.