A Lagos High Court has issued an interim injunction limiting protests in Lagos to two designated locations: Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu. The order, effective from August 1st to August 10th, allows protests only between 8 am and 6 pm.
The court’s decision, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Ogundare, follows an ex parte application by Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, who argued that restricting protest locations would prevent potential disruptions and ensure public safety.
“In recognition of the citizens’ fundamental right to stage a public protest against government policies and actions but prevent unlawful destruction of lives and properties in the process, the Lagos State Government has designated two public spaces and locations in the State where citizens can meet and converge to protest or express their displeasure against government,” Pedro stated.
He warned that failing to restrict the protest could result in “economic sabotage” and put critical infrastructure at risk.
The application named defendants including representatives from the Active Citizens Group, Take it Back Movement, and others. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, was also listed.
Pedro emphasized the need to prevent a repeat of the 2020 EndSARS protests’ violence and destruction. He noted that various groups’ intentions to support or oppose the protest raised concerns about potential unrest.
