- After police warning
Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court has issued an interim order restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and 3 others from embarking on any form of industrial action or protest.
Ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration, Justice Subilim granted an interim order restraining the 1st to 5th respondents and their privies or agents from embarking on strike pending the hearing of the motion on notice.
He also ordered the 5th-9th defendants who are security agencies to ensure no breakdown of law and order.
The ex-parte motion, which was filed by Counsel to Wike and the FCTA, Ogwu Onoja, submitted that the Chairman of the FCT council had sent a message of mobilization to members and affiliated unions for a mass protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
This move, he noted, is in violation of the orders of court.
He added that after the ruling of the court on 27th January, the order of the court was served on the defendants, same day the NLC and TUC issued a statement to all affiliated unions to intensify and sustain the strike.
The statement jointly signed by both unions directed that the striking workers should resume the strike as the unions’ counsel Femi Falana has filed an appeal against the interlocutory ruling.
He further pointed out that, with the statement, JUAC issued a circular directing all employees to continue the strike.
This position they say is aimed at causing breakdown of law and order in the Nation’s capital.
The court subsequently adjourned to February 10 for hearing.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command had earlier advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT chapter to reschedule Tuesday’s planned peaceful protest.
According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josehine Adeh, the advice is in the overriding interest of public safety.
“The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT Council, scheduled to hold tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory.
“While the Command recognizes and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, and remains committed to providing adequate security for all lawful activities, intelligence reports at the disposal of the Police indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.
“In view of the above, and in the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organizers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time. This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order, while also ensuring that the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon.
“The Command assures residents of the Federal Capital Territory of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges all citizens to continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the collective effort to maintain peace and security,” Adeh had noted in a statement in Abuja.