The Lagos State Government has told protesters planning to demonstrate today to limit their activities to two court-approved locations.
The government said while people have the right to protest, it must be done legally and without affecting others.
A spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Grace Alo, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
“While the State Government acknowledges the fundamental rights of citizens to association and assembly to convene public protest, it also has the obligation to protect other citizens’ fundamental rights not to be disturbed by the protest.
“Therefore, it is crucial to emphasize that the exercise of these fundamental rights by the protesters must be conducted within the bounds of the law and with due regard for public safety and order.”
She reminded the public of a Lagos High Court judgement delivered on January 30, 2025, especially the Take it Back Movement, the organisers of the planned protest, which restricted protests in Lagos State to two designated locations to wit: Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos State and Peace Park, Ketu, Lagos State.
The court had held that any organizer or protester who participates in protests outside these designated areas shall be responsible and liable jointly and severally in damages for any injury or loss or for the destruction of properties of any citizen or government occasioned in the process of exercising their fundamental rights to association and assembly to convene public protest.
The state government also advised all organizers and participants to adhere to the court’s judgement and ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of any planned protest within the designated places.
It called on organisers to notify the Nigeria Police Force to provide security at the designated places.
