The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the Labour Party (LP) and its supporters not to converge at the Lekki toll gate for its #Obidatti23 Forward Ever Rally billed to hold on the 1st October, Nigeria’s Independence anniversary.
The court also directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, and the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Abiodun Alabi to ensure compliance with the order.
Justice Daniel Osiagor ruled on a motion for injunction brought by 10 plaintiffs, who are asking the court to, among others, restrain the LP, its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, his running mate Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, LP National Chairman, Comrade Julius Abure and their loyalists from holding the rally.
The court also held that, while Obi’s supporters could not stop at the Lekki toll gate, they could pass through the venue to access Falomo bridge and other venues at which the rally plans to meet.
A preliminary objection, filed by the defendants seeking to stop the court from hearing the motion on the grounds that it lacked jurisdiction, could however not be entertained as all parties to the suit had not been served.
The court adjourned hearing of the substantive suit to 4th November.
The 10 plaintiffs are Adedotun Ajulo Esq., Salamatu Suleiman Lewi Esq., Hakeem Ijaduola, Esq., Ogunbona Akinpelu Esq., Owolabi K. Oluwasegun, Esq., Mogbojuri Kayode Esq., Wuyep Mantim Nadom Esq., Dimimu Mabel, Esq., Kolawole Salami, Esq. and Mr. Wale Abe Lawrence.
The first to 10th defendants are Obi, LP, Baba-Ahmed, Abure, the IGP, Commissioner of Police (Lagos State Command), Director-General, Department of State Services, Lekki Concession Company Limited, the Attorney-General of Lagos State and the Governor of Lagos State.
In the substantive suit, the plaintiffs are arguing that a repeat or celebration of the “infamous” #EndSARS protest of 2020 under the political guise of #Obidatti23 Forward Ever Rally will cause a breakdown of peace and will result in post-traumatic stress disorder for them and the public.
