• Wanton damage on properties in Kano shocking, says Yusuf
• Sani lifts curfew, warns against unverified procession
• Afenifere decries call for military coup

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has extended its earlier order delivered on July 31 restricting protesters in the territory to the MKO Abiola Stadium (formerly the National Stadium).

Justice Sylvanus Oriji extended the order while ruling yesterday on an application for the order’s extension file and argued by Ogwu Onoja (SAN) on behalf of the Minister of the FCT.

Onoja said the request for an extension became necessary in view of threats by those behind the #EndBadGovernence protest to extend it beyond their earlier planned 10 days.

None of those listed as respondents in the case appeared or was represented by a lawyer during yesterday’s proceedings.

Listed as respondents in the suit are: Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, persons unknown, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Commissioner of Police (FCT), Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Director General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Chief of Air staff (CAS), and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).

Shortly after the commencement of proceedings, Onoja drew the judge’s attention to a statement by Damilare Adenola, who allegedly threatened that the nationwide protests might be extended beyond the initial 10 days.

The counsel averred that since the respondents were not in court and no one knew their next plan of action, it was prudent for the court to extend the order to ensure that peace was not unjustly disrupted in the FCT.

Ruling, Justice Oriji granted the request, saying the order of July 31 remained valid and in force.

The judge adjourned till August 22 for the hearing of a pending motion on notice filed by the FCT Minister.

Also, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has described as “shocking” the wanton looting and destruction of properties in the state during the #EndBadGovernance protest on August 1.

Yusuf spoke at the state judiciary complex, which was also vandalised by hoodlums who hijacked the supposed peaceful demonstration.

The governor has been moving round to see the scenes of destruction and assess levels of damage in the state, which was the worst hit by rioters, according to 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Yusuf was conducted round the judiciary complex by the Chief Registrar of the Kano State High Court, Abdullahi Bayero, and other members of the judiciary.

Many vehicles parked on the premises were among the properties destroyed.

“In continuation of my assessment visits, I was at the Kano State Judiciary Complex, which was vandalised by a hired mob on August 1.

“The wanton damage on the property and other valuables was shocking to see, and it severely impacts the ability of the courts to efficiently dispense justice,” Yusuf tweeted on his official X handle.

The governor promised to renovate and give the complex a befitting facelift.

Also, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has completely lifted the 6 p.m to 8 a.m curfew across the state.

The governor, who heads the state’s Security Council, took the decision after an extensive review of the security situation in Kaduna and Zaria towns and their environs.

Internal Security and Home Affairs Commissioner Samuel Aruwan announced this in a statement yesterday in Kaduna.

He said: “The Kaduna State Security Council, during the extensive assessment held last night (Monday night), unanimously recommended the removal of the curfew and reiterated its commitment to the security and safety of the citizenry in Kaduna State.

“The Security Council also warned that processions or gatherings must be verified with the relevant agencies to avoid any breakdown of law and order, and for the overall security of the general public.”