In a recent ruling, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a lawsuit against the #Endbadgovernance protesters due to lack of diligent prosecution. The suit, brought by 17 Nigerians from various regions, targeted the nationwide protests held from August 1 to 10.
The defendants in the case included prominent figures such as Omoyele Sowore, the National Security Adviser, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, and the Chiefs of Army and Defence Staff.
Justice Peter Lifu made the decision to strike out the suit as neither the plaintiffs nor the defendants appeared in court with legal representation, showing a lack of interest in pursuing the case further. The judge expressed surprise at the absence of both parties and ruled in favor of striking out the suit.
The plaintiffs had sought court orders to halt the protests, claiming violations of their fundamental rights including freedom of movement, human dignity, property ownership, economic and social development, and national peace and security. They also requested the enforcement of their rights by the mentioned authorities to control the protesters’ actions.
The plaintiffs highlighted instances of property destruction in states like Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina as evidence of the need for legal intervention.