The Lagos State Police Command arraigned activist Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as “Soweto,” protest leader Dele Frank, and other anti-demolition and forced eviction protesters before the Yaba Magistrate Court over alleged felony offences linked to a protest held in Ikeja.
SaharaReporters learnt that human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) appeared in court to represent the protesters. Soweto, a prominent member of the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM) and spokesperson for the #EndBadGovernance Movement in Lagos, was reportedly arrested while protesting demolitions and forced evictions affecting low-income communities such as Makoko, Oworonshoki, and Owode Onirin.
According to the police, the protest began at the Ikeja Under Bridge, where demonstrators allegedly blocked Awolowo Road for several hours. Authorities claimed the protesters carried a symbolic coffin, mounted loudspeakers on a vehicle, and barricaded major roads, causing traffic gridlock and disrupting access to essential services.
Five counts were filed against the defendants, including conspiracy to cause a breach of peace, threats against members of the public, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and singing abusive songs against the police and the Lagos State Government.
Meanwhile, several human rights organisations have condemned the arrests, describing the police action as a clampdown on a peaceful protest and a violation of the protesters’ constitutional rights.
