…as Court halts protest
Stories by Olakunle Oke
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reschedule their planned protest slated for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing security concerns and intelligence warnings of possible infiltration.
The two labour unions had earlier announced plans to stage a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja. In a joint statement by NLC spokesperson Benson Upah and TUC Secretary General N. A. Toro, the unions said the protest would hold at the Federal Capital Development Authority as a show of support for affected workers.
They directed all affiliates and state councils within the FCT to ensure effective mobilisation and timely dissemination of information to members, stressing that full participation in the lawful action was expected.
However, in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command confirmed awareness of the planned protest and acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly.
Adeh disclosed that intelligence reports available to the Police indicated plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest, posing a threat to public peace and security.
She said the decision to advise a postponement was aimed at safeguarding residents, protecting freedom of movement, and ensuring the unhindered conduct of lawful daily activities within the Federal Capital Territory.
“In view of the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organisers to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time,” Adeh stated, adding that the measure would help forestall any breakdown of law and order while protecting the rights of other residents.
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from proceeding with their planned mass protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a ruling delivered by Justice Emmanuel Sibilim on Monday, the court barred the labor centers and their affiliates from any form of industrial action or demonstration scheduled for Tuesday, February 3.
The legal intervention followed an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration (FCTA).
The claimants argued that the planned mobilization of over 30,000 workers constituted a direct violation of an existing court order issued on January 27, which had already directed workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to suspend their ongoing strike and resume duties.
Justice Sibilim agreed with the government’s position, ordering the 5th to 9th defendants primarily security agencies to ensure no breakdown of law and order in the nation’s capital while the injunction remains in effect.
The Minister’s affidavit expressed deep concern that the defiant calls for a mass rally were intended to cause chaos and paralyze the smooth administration of the FCT. With the court now adjourning the substantive hearing until February 10, 2026, the focus shifts to whether the labor unions will comply with this latest legal restraint or proceed with the demonstration at the designated assembly point, Labour House.