A High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday, halted the criminal complaint case instituted by a lawyer against 50 prominent Nigerians who facilitated the #EndSARS protests which resulted in violence.

Justice Bello Kawu who gave the order also restrained the Nigeria Police from arresting or taking any action against the #EndSARS activists.

Recall, in November 2020, a human rights activist, Kenechukwu Okeke, filed a criminal complaint at a Chief Magistrate’s Court against the defendants, including Nigerian celebrities for their alleged roles in the nationwide #EndSARS protests which started peacefully in October 2020 until it was later hijacked by hoodlums who hid under the cover of the genuine protesters to loot and unleash violence in the country.

Read Also: COURT ORDERS POLICE TO PROBE SAM ADEYEMI,DAVIDO, TUFACE, FALZ AND 46 OTHERS OVER #ENDSARS PROTEST

The complaint filed by Okeke led Magistrate Omolola Akindele to order the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Bala Ciroma to investigate the 50 prominent persons.

Okeke had alleged that during the riot, his properties were destroyed and the defendants who promoted the #EndSARS protests must be brought to justice.

Delivery justice on Wednesday, Justice Kawu said, “An order of this honourable court granting leave to the application to issue and serve on the defendant an application for judicial review against the proceedings/direct criminal complaint of Hon. Omolola Tolulope Akindele sitting at Chief Magistrate Court II, Wuse Zone 6 in the suit of Kenechukwu Okeke Vs Deji Adeyanju and 49 others in suit No. CR/49/2020.

“An order of this honourable court, that on the grant of the above orders herein, serve as stay of all proceedings on the direct criminal complaint Omolola Tolulope Akindele sitting at Chief Magistrate Court II, Wuse Zone 6 in the suit of Kenechukwu Okeke Vs Deji Adeyanju and 49 others in suit no. CR/49/2020.

“An order of this honourable court, that on the grant of the above orders herein, same order as granted by the honourable court shall restrain the Nigeria Police Force, 2nd and 3rd defendants from taking any further steps, arresting and or taking any unconstitutional/illegal steps in the form of any guise as it concerns the subject matters whatsoever before this court herein as it concerns all parties in the proceedings.”

Read Also: SAM ADEYEMI, DAVIDO, BURNA BOY, TUBABA, FALZ, 45 OTHERS DRAGGED TO COURT OVER #ENDSARS

Those listed as defendants include the Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi; musicians Damini Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy, David Adeleke also known as Davido, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz, as well as social media comedians, Debo Adebayo otherwise known as Mr Macaroni, and Maryam Apaokagi popularly called Taaooma.

Other musicians sued include Peter and Paul Okoye, Innocent Idibia (Tuface), Bankole Wellington (Banky W), Tiwa Savage, Michael Ajereh (Don Jazzy), Ayo Balogun (Wizkid), and Yemi Alade.

Besides the musicians, other defendants include activist Aisha Yesufu; former Super Eagles Captain, Kanu Nwankwo; a former Director-General of the Bureau for Public Sector Reform, Dr Joe Abah; journalist, Kiki Mordi, as well as actors Yul Edochie and Uche Jombo.

Social media influencers such as Feyikemi Abudu, Olorunrinu Oduala, Pamilerin Adegoke, Japhet Omojuwa, Ayo Sogunro, and Deji Adeyanju were also joined in the suit, as well as activist, Tope Akinyode.

Follow us on Twitter and get the most exclusive of news as it breaks.