Court Cancels Suit Against Hunger Protesters

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out a suit instituted against the #Endbadgovernance protesters for lack of diligent prosecution.

The suit was against 17 Nigerians drawn from across the country who participated in the August 1 to 10 nationwide protests.

The plaintiffs listed as defendants Omoyele Sowore, the National Security Adviser, Attorney-General of the Federation, Inspector General of Police, Director General of the Department of State Services and the Chiefs of Army and Defence Staff.

Among the plaintiffs were Danladi Goje, Bukky Abayomi, Adiza Abbo, Ocholi Aduku, Francis John, Nnamdi Eze, Chibuzor Ifeanyi, Fesco Olatunde and Ishaya Istifanus, among others.

Justice Peter Lifu struck out the suit following the absence of the 17 plaintiffs and the 26 defendants who were in court without legal representation.

The judge was surprised that none of the plaintiffs or defendants attended court or provided explanations for their absence.

Justice Lifu said since it had become evident that the plaintiffs had lost interest in pursuing the case, he had to strike it out.

“This suit is hereby struck out as it is evident that the plaintiffs have lost interest in going further with this case,” he ruled.

The plaintiffs had asked the court for an order to terminate the protest because their fundamental rights to freedom of movement, human dignity, right to own property, economic, social and cultural development and right to national peace and security were being breached.

They also asked the court to compel the Director General of the Department of State Service, Inspector General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff as well as the Attorney General of the Federation to enforce their fundamental rights by calling the protesters to order.