A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday ruled that the planned rally by Peter Obi’s supporters, tagged #Obidatti23 Forward Ever, scheduled for October 1, cannot hold at the Lekki toll gate.
Justice Daniel Osiagor directed the inspector general of police and the Lagos State police commissioner to ensure compliance with the order.
Osiagor, however, said the rally can march through the toll plaza and continue to other locations.
The ruling followed a suit filed by 10 plaintiffs, including nine lawyers, seeking to restrain Mr Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party; his running mate, Yusuf Baba-Ahmed; and the party’s supporters from holding the rally in Lagos.
The plaintiffs argued that the rally could cause a breakdown of law and order and a repeat of the October 20, 2020 incident where soldiers reportedly opened fire on peaceful protesters who gathered at the toll gate.
The defendants filed a notice of preliminary objection seeking to stop the court from hearing the motion on the grounds that it lacked jurisdiction.
The court adjourned till November 4 for hearing to enable parties in the suit to be served.
The plaintiffs include Adedotun Ajulo, Salamatu Suleiman Lewi, Hakeem Ijaduola, Ogunbona Akinpelu, Owolabi Oluwasegun, Mogbojuri Kayode, Wuyep Mantim Nadom, Dimimu Mabel, Kolawole Salami, and Wale Abe Lawrence.
The first to tenth defendants in the suit are Obi, LP, Baba-Ahmed, Mr Abure, the inspector-general of police (IGP), commissioner of police (Lagos State Command), director-general (Department of State Services), Lekki Concession Company (LCC) Limited, attorney-general of Lagos State, and governor of Lagos State.
