By Milcah Tanimu
Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court has upheld and extended the restrictions on protests in Lagos, confining demonstrations to the Freedom and Peace Parks in Ojota and Ketu.
The extension follows a request by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN. Pedro, who was represented by Director of Civil Litigations Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, presented the case in court, arguing that despite the lack of response from the respondents, extending the restrictions was necessary to preserve public order amidst ongoing nationwide protests.
Justice Sonaike’s ruling comes as an extension of a previous order issued by Justice Emmanuel Ogundare, which initially placed limits on protest activities to prevent potential disruption and safeguard public safety. The new order maintains the restriction to the designated parks until a compliance review on August 29, 2024.
The extension aims to ensure that protests do not escalate into violence or cause substantial damage, thereby protecting lives and property. The respondents in the original suit include representatives from various activist groups, such as Adamma Ukpabi and Tosin Harsogba of the Active Citizens Group, Juwon Sanyaolu and Hassan Soweto of the Take it Back Movement, as well as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
This decision highlights the court’s ongoing efforts to balance the right to protest with the need for public safety and order in Lagos.