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FCT Police Block NLC Protest Over Security Threat

Published

9 months ago

February 3, 2026

FCT Police block NLC protest in Abuja, citing Shi’ite infiltration and security threats to maintain public order

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command, led by Commissioner Josephine Adeh, and the National Industrial Court in Abuja, restrained workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration from embarking on a planned mass protest on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Also read: Police, Court Advise NLC/TUC to Halt FCTA Protest

The action was taken in response to intelligence suggesting the potential infiltration of the demonstration by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors.

Superintendent Adeh stated that the measure was in the overriding interest of public safety, emphasising that while the constitutional right to peaceful assembly is respected, reports indicated risks that could compromise law and order within the capital city.

Justice Emmanuel Sibilim of the National Industrial Court issued an interim order restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), along with their affiliates, from carrying out the industrial action pending the hearing of a motion on notice.

The order specifically directed security agencies to ensure stability and prevent any breakdown of law and order ahead of the adjourned hearing scheduled for February 10.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and officials of the FCTA had filed the motion, citing previous disruptions caused by the Joint Unions Action Committee, including the closure of offices, schools, and government departments.

The minister’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate James Onoja, argued that the planned protest violated prior court orders and posed significant risks to residents’ safety and freedom of movement.

Security sources indicated that the police and court action reflects an effort to safeguard Abuja from potential unrest, while also protecting the operational continuity of public services.

Authorities urged all stakeholders to cooperate with law enforcement and respect judicial directives to ensure a peaceful resolution.

Also read: NULGE FCT Members Begin Indefinite Strike from Jan 27

The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, highlighting that orderly governance and public safety remain top priorities.

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US Judge Halts Tree-Cutting at Trump’s Washington Golf Course Project

Published

2 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

A US judge halts tree-cutting at Trump’s golf course project in Washington after more than 500 trees were felled, pending a court case

A US federal judge has halted further tree-cutting at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC, after more than 500 trees were felled as part of President Donald Trump’s proposed renovation of the public golf course.

Also read: Sanwo-Olu Wins National Peace and Humanitarian Award

District Judge Ana Reyes issued the order on Monday, barring the defendants from removing or damaging additional trees while litigation over the project continues.

The judge also ordered the government to provide 10 business days’ written notice before making any irreversible changes to features of East Potomac Park, pending the outcome of the case.

“The Government felled hundreds of trees from the East Potomac Golf Course without real notice even though it knew of the scheduled removal at least a week prior,” Reyes wrote in her 70-page order.

She added that the trees were healthy and posed no known hazards.

Trump, an avid golfer who owns courses around the world, has proposed transforming East Potomac Golf Links, a public course known for its affordable rates, into a facility capable of hosting major championship-level events.

The renovation has faced opposition from environmental campaigners and local golfers.

An environmental group filed a lawsuit challenging the work, while golfers have argued that the century-old course provides an important affordable recreational space in the US capital.

Despite the legal challenge, demolition work had proceeded before the judge’s ruling.

Trump said earlier this month that construction on the 18-hole course was scheduled to begin in November. On Monday, he maintained that the course would close for renovation as planned on November 15 and vowed to appeal the decision.

“The judge has absolutely no right to hold up this very important and beautiful Project,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

In her ruling, Reyes referred to the children’s book ‘The Lorax’ by Dr Seuss while explaining the court’s role in the dispute.

“The court does not speak for the trees,” she wrote, before adding that it “speaks only for the rule of law.”