The Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos State has granted bail to activist Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, and protest leader Dele Frank. Each was granted bail in the sum of ₦200,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned to March 3, 2026.
The defendants, alongside other protesters still at large, were arraigned by the Lagos State Police Command over alleged felony offences arising from a protest held in Ikeja against demolitions and forced evictions affecting low-income communities across the state.
The police filed five counts against the protesters, including conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, threats of violence, unlawful assembly, and obstruction of traffic. Authorities alleged that the demonstrators blocked major roads, causing significant traffic disruption and hindering access to essential services.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) represented the defendants in court. While granting bail, the Magistrate stated that the defendants were being released under the responsibility of the senior lawyer, expressing confidence in his assurance that they would appear in court.
Meanwhile, several human rights groups condemned the arrest of the protesters, describing it as a clampdown on a peaceful demonstration against forced evictions. They accused the police and state authorities of undermining the constitutional rights of citizens.
