The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has dismissed the motion that was filed before it by one Kenechukwu Okeke seeking to strike out the suit that was filed by celebrities and activists against their trial.
The Court also gave an order prohibiting the Nigerian Police Force and Kenechukwu Okeke from taking any steps to prosecute the individuals over the #EndSARS protest.
Justice Bello Kawu, while delivering the order on Friday, stated that the suit that was filed in a representative capacity by a human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, was proper in law.
He stated that the High Court of the FCT has supervisory jurisdiction over the Magistrate Court against the suit by Okeke.
Okeke had sued fifty individuals including celebrities and activists at the FCT Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 6 for supporting the #EndSARS protest through their tweets and physical involvement.
The individuals included the Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi, Kanu Nwankwo, Innocent Idibia (2face), David Adeleke (Davido), Aisha Yesufu, Kiki Mordi, Peter Okoye, Paul Okoye, Deji Adeyanju, Tiwa Savage, Folarin Falana (Falz), Feyikemi Abudu, and Debo Adebayo (Mr. Macaroni) and others.
The counsel to Adeyanju and forty-nine others, Samuel Ihensekhien, stated that the decision meant victory for the ordinary man.
Ihensekhien also stated that it is a landmark decision that establishes that peaceful protest is not a crime in Nigeria.
“By virtue of today’s ruling, his motion of dismissal of this substantive case has been dismissed by the honourable FCT High Court. The consequence of it is that the court will hear the substantive application to formally dismiss the pending criminal complaint and charge before the Magistrate’s court.
“We are so happy and justice can still be found in Nigeria in spite of the elaborate and extensive arguments over whether this case should be dismissed or not. Thank God the court held in our favour and we are so grateful,” he said.
The court adjourned the matter till September 7.
(The PUNCH)
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