Court Stops Lagos State Government From Vaccinating School Children

A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a restraining order, preventing the Lagos State Government and its representatives from administering vaccines to school children without the written consent of their parents or guardians. The ruling, delivered by Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, was in response to an application filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Equity International and Initiative.

The lawsuit lists several respondents, including the Lagos State Government, the Commissioner for Education, the Permanent Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, the Conference of Private Schools Association in Lagos (Copsail), the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, the Attorney General of Lagos State, and the Commissioner of Police in Lagos.

The court’s decision temporarily blocks any vaccination efforts in Lagos State schools without proper parental authorization. The restraining order remains in effect until a Motion on Notice is determined, following the applicant’s request filed on October 11, 2024. Specifically, the court prohibited the respondents from executing any mass vaccination initiative in Lagos State schools or other areas, as outlined in official circulars issued in September 2024.

Speaking on the ruling, Barrister Mobisola Odimegwu, representing the applicant, emphasized that the court’s order pauses the planned vaccination drive, which was set to begin on Saturday, until the case is resolved. The court mandated all parties to maintain the status quo until December 9, 2024.

Odimegwu also encouraged Nigerians to explore alternative preventive health measures and stay informed about the contents of any medical interventions, including vaccines. She highlighted the need for transparency, urging the public to thoroughly research vaccine safety and any potential risks, noting that public health initiatives should not compromise the health they aim to protect.

She stated, “It’s crucial to be aware of what’s entering your body. Extensive scientific research points to potential vaccine-related harm, and Nigeria must improve its record-keeping in this area. While public health is paramount, measures taken must not endanger the very lives they seek to safeguard.”