A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama has extended the order restricting participants in the hunger protest against the federal government to the MKO Abiola Stadium, also known as the National Stadium.
Justice Sylvanus Orji extended the order on Tuesday, following an application to that effect, by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
When proceedings on the matter commenced on Tuesday, the plaintiffs called the attention of the court to the absence of the defendants and their representatives, urging the trial judge to extend the order, to ensure that peace in the FCT is not unjustly disrupted.
In a brief ruling, while granting the request, the trial judge affirmed the order of July 31, while admonishing those who countered the order of the court.
The court, however, adjourned to August 22 for a hearing of the motion on notice, and ordered that the process be duly served on the defendants.
The judge had on July 31 in an ex-parte application, argued by Chief Onoja, SAN, that the FCT Minister had applied for an order of interim injunction, restraining the five leaders of the protesting groups, from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, streets, offices and public premises, within the FCT, between August 1 and August 10, or any other day thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
