The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has postponed the hearing on a suit filed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, which seeks to limit the ongoing hunger protest. The court has adjourned the case until September 4, 2024. This came after the claimant’s counsel, Moses Ebute, served the motion on the respondents during the August 22 hearing.
The hunger protest, led by activists such as Omoyele Sowore and Damilare Adenola, has been the subject of legal debate. On July 31, the court acknowledged the protesters’ right to demonstrate but restricted their activities to a stadium due to concerns from the minister about potential disruptions to public safety and order.
At the recent hearing, the counsel for the 1st to 4th respondents, Dr. S.M. Oyeghe, requested to receive the motion in court, while other respondents, including security leaders such as the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff, were not present. The adjournment allows for all parties involved to be properly served with legal documents before the case proceeds.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the September 4 hearing, which will determine the future of the hunger protest and the legal restrictions surrounding it.