FearlessinOctober Protest Fails To Hold In Ogun

The proposed #FearlessInOctober protest failed to hold as people were seeing going about their normal business activities in all major streets across Ogun State.

LEADERSHIP Correspondent who went round the major streets of Abeokuta, the state capital observed heavy presence of security operatives, who were all armed to the teeth in preparation against any unforeseen circumstances.

Earlier in the week, an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, had ordered organisers of the protest to restrict their activities within the premises of four convergence centers, including the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta; Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu; Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode and Ansar-Ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Ota.

The court, presided over by Justice Tajudeen Okunsokan gave the order on Monday, following an application brought before it by the Attorney-General of Ogun State in suit no AB/667/2024.

Respondents in the suit included Messrs. Afolabi Adeboye, Ifemosu Michael, and Lekan Soneye (for themselves and members of the #FearlessInOctober protests); Bestman Okereafor (on behalf of the Progressive Students Movement); Francis Adeyanju (on behalf of the National Association of Nigerian Students); and Thomas Kehinde (on behalf of the National Association of Ogun Students).

Other respondents listed in the suit were Yinka Folarin (on behalf of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Nicholas Eko (on behalf of the Socialist Democratic Movement), Koyejo Morenikeji, persons unknown, and the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State.

By that order, the protesters were mandated not to converge in any part of the state except the designated venues.

The court also directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure the enforcement of the ruling, which shall run for seven days as provided under Order 39 of the High Court of Ogun State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2014.

Speaking with journalists on the situation of the protest however, the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), David Ojelabi said the situation across the state remained calm, stressing that there was no single record of protest across the state.

The security chiefs also admonished operatives to respect the protesters’ rights under the law and be civil in their operations, while urging Nigerians to go about their normal businesses without fear.