Article 10(d) (i) and (ii) of the same Protocol as it relates to the Current Applicant. In that wise, the Court will therefore proceed to analyse the merit of the application despite the Respondent’s failure to file a defense. ***** 39.The summary of the facts as alleged by the Applicants are as follows;  That the Edo State Government via a public announcement on 14 May 2021 banned the gathering of members of a Nigerian Women Society. Exhibit H in support of this allegation states that “all activities of the National Council of Women Societies in Edo State, including the proposed State Chapter elections, are hereby suspended indefinitely until pending issues are resolved.”  That the rally planned by the Applicants for 28 March 2021 to protest the hike in fuel prices, sachet water and cement and its link with monopoly was disrupted by the Respondent’s security forces, that is, the police, Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NCDC) who locked them inside the premises of the Museum for hours.  That other members who arrived later were locked out and not allowed to enter the premises.  That this action by the security forces of the Respondent frustrated the Applicants’ planned rally as they were prevented from reaching their target audience.  That the Respondent failed in their obligation to offer the necessary facilities and eliminate existing obstacles to the attainment of the right to association and assembly. 14