Court Nullifies Restrictions on Movement In Lagos Monthly Sanitation

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Lagos, Latest Headlines, National News, News, News From The State Tuesday, March 17th, 2015

By Ayo Balogun – Lagos – The monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos, Monday suffered a setback as a Federal High Court in the State, ruled that the restriction of movement that goes with the exercise is an infringement on the right of the residents.

While delivering his judgment, Justice Mohammed Idris, held that the restriction of movement, between 7 am and 10 am during the monthly cleaning exercise was a violation of the right of the citizens, ranging from personal liberty to freedom of movement, as provided in the sections 35 and 41 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Consequently, Justice Idris faulted the power of the State Government as well as its agents to apprehend any citizen moving within the stipulated hours of the exercise which holds in the 20 Local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the State.

The suit against the State Government was filed by a Lagos based lawyer, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.

Barrister Adegboruwa argued given the fact that there is no law in the State, recognizing compulsory restriction of movement on the day of the sanitation, he is praying the court to nullify the policy as well as seeking an order directing them (the respondents) to allow the applicant and other residents of the State to move freely on the last Saturday of every month in line with fundamental right to free movement.