Edo CSOs Warn Government Over Unconstitutional Movement Ban

Civil Society Organizations, represented by the Freedom Ambassador Organization, have issued a warning to the Edo State government regarding the enforcement of movement restrictions during monthly environmental sanitation days. This caution follows a judgment by the Edo State High Court in Benin City on March 26, 2026, which nullified the enforcement of a stay-at-home order from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, declaring it unconstitutional.

Justice Isoken Urhomwen Erameh ruled that the restrictions violated Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement, and contravened Articles 12 and 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. Curti Ogbebor, the founder and president of the organization, emphasized that continuing to enforce these restrictions undermines the authority of the court and could expose the government to contempt proceedings.

He urged the government to focus on improving waste management systems and investing in modern sanitation infrastructure instead of pursuing litigation.