The Take It Back Movement, led by National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu, has stated that no court notice has been served regarding the restriction of their proposed protests in Lagos to specific locations. The movement is among the key organizations organizing a nationwide demonstration against hunger and economic difficulties, slated to take place from August 1 to 10, 2024.
A recent ruling by a Lagos State High Court, issued on Tuesday, has limited the protest activities to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and the Peace Park in Ketu. Justice Emmanuel Ogundare granted the injunction following an ex parte application by the Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro.
Sanyaolu, who is identified as a defendant along with several others including members of the Active Citizens Group and the Commissioner of Police, expressed skepticism about the court order. “I have not been served with any legal documents, and I view this news as unsubstantiated. No court order can suppress the people’s quest for freedom,” he stated.
The court’s interim injunction aims to prevent gatherings and protests across Lagos from August 1-10, allowing only designated activities at the approved sites between 8 am and 6 pm. Attorney General Pedro cited the need to safeguard critical infrastructure and prevent potential chaos similar to that seen during the EndSARS protests in 2020.
In response to the court’s ruling, Adeyemi Taofeek, the Lagos Coordinator for the TIB, emphasized the need for the state government to provide safe transportation for protesters to the designated areas. He outlined that buses should be clean, air-conditioned, and available at 6 am to facilitate protesters’ movements.
Regarding the transport demands, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, mentioned that a formal statement would be released addressing the issue.
