The High Court of Bayelsa State, sitting in Yenagoa, has issued an interim order restraining associates of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, from holding a planned rally in the state.

The rally, which was scheduled to take place in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, on April 12, 2025, is part of an event organized by the NEW Associates group to show solidarity for Minister Wike.

The Motion Ex-Parte in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/133/2025, brought by Bayelsa State Attorney General Biriyai Dambo (SAN), was granted by Hon. Justice I.A. Uzakah.

Mr. George Turnah, the demonstration’s principal organizer, and Minister Nyesom Wike are named as the first and second defendants/respondents in the court order, which temporarily stops the planned rally.

The action also names the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police for Bayelsa State, and the Nigeria Police Force as defendants.

Until the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction is heard and decided, the court order states: “An order of the interim injunction is hereby made or granted restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, associates, privies, representatives (or any person whatsoever acting at their behest), from conducting, convening, coordinating, engaging in, organizing, participating in, holding, hosting, or facilitating any political assembly, rally, meeting, or gathering within Bayelsa State, for the purpose of solidarity, hosting, and celebrating the 2nd Defendant in Bayelsa State.”

The Motion on Notice for an Interlocutory Injunction has been postponed by the court until April 11, 2025.