Court to rule on police disruption of protest June 11

Justice Abubakar Talba fixed the date after hearing a motion number CV/1520/2014 filed by Mr. Melaye’s lawyer, Reuben Egwuaba.

An FCT High Court on Thursday fixed June 11 for ruling in a motion by Dino Melaye against the Inspector-General of Police over alleged disruption of a rally on #BringBackOurGirls on May 11.

Justice Abubakar Talba fixed the date after hearing a motion number CV/1520/2014 filed by Mr. Melaye’s lawyer, Reuben Egwuaba.

Mr. Egwuaba asked the court to declare as unconstitutional the arrest and disruption of the peaceful rally organised by Mr. Melaye at the Unity Fountain Abuja on Sunday.

He alleged that the police went to the Fountain with machine guns and hot water tankers to stop them from assembling.

He told the court that the essence of the application was to seek an order for enforcement of the applicant’s right to hold peaceful rallies for the release of the girls.

“No law in Nigeria that permits law enforcement agencies to ban peaceful rallies.

“This is in line with the provisions of Section 41 of the Constitution and the duty of the police is clearly stated in Section 4 of the Police Act,” he said.

He said the action of the police to disperse and arrest some of the protesters was a violation of their fundamental human rights.

Mr. Egwuaba argued that the action violated section 40 of 1999 Constitution as amended and article 11 of African Charter on Human Rights.

He, therefore, urged the court to grant his prayers.

(NAN)