Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected an application seeking to prevent the continuation of the #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place in several parts of Nigeria from August 1 to 10.
The protests were sparked by widespread frustration over economic hardship, the removal of fuel subsidies, and poor governance.
According to The PUNCH, the application, filed on August 12 by Danladi Goje, Buky Abayomi, Adiza Abbo, and 13 others, sought to protect their fundamental rights against various organizations that led the protests.
The defendants included groups such as the Take It Back Movement, Concerned Nigerians, Nigerians Against Hunger, and other advocacy organizations.
Additionally, the Social Democratic Party and activist Omoyele Sowore were named as respondents, along with the Attorney General of the Federation and security agencies.
Justice Lifu dismissed the ex parte application, citing its lack of merit.
He noted that the protests had already concluded the previous week and that no evidence was presented to suggest that the demonstrations would resume.
The judge also criticized the applicant’s lawyer, Tsembelee Sorkaa, for submitting the ex parte notice without the necessary supporting affidavit.
The court adjourned the hearing on the motion on notice to August 29.
Sorkaa had argued that his clients’ rights to life, personal liberty, privacy, and economic activities were at risk if the protests continued, and he sought a restraining order against the respondents.
