The Lagos High Court has imposed restrictions on protests in Lagos, allowing them to take place only at two designated locations: Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu.
Justice Emmanuel Ogundare issued this restriction following an urgent ex-parte application from the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN). The court’s decision aims to ensure public safety and prevent potential loss of life and property damage.
The defendants/respondents named in the application include Adamma Ukpabi and Tosin Harsogba of the Active Citizens Group; Comrade Juwon Sanyaolu and Hassan Soweto of the Take It Back Movement; unidentified individuals; and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
Pedro argued that, as Lagos’ Chief Law Officer, he had seen notices from various parties regarding their stance on the nationwide protest. He expressed concerns over protecting critical infrastructure and avoiding a repeat of the violent #EndSARS protests in 2020.
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Pedro highlighted that the police lack the manpower to secure all local government areas, highways, and public spaces, hence the need to restrict protests to specific locations. He also stressed the importance of preventing the protest from being hijacked by individuals intent on causing chaos under the guise of advocating against poor governance.
The court granted an interim injunction, restricting the defendants/respondents from holding protests, rallies, or meetings anywhere in Lagos State from August 1-10, 2024, except at the approved locations: Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road, Ojota, and Peace Park, Ketu, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The injunction aims to balance the right to protest with the need to avoid disruption and protect public order.
Furthermore, the court directed the police to provide security and traffic management support at these designated locations during the specified dates.