The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday arraigned activist Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank before the Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court over their alleged roles in a protest against illegal demolitions, forcible evictions, and land grabbing at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The police charged the defendants with five counts, including conspiracy, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, threats, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and singing abusive songs against the police and the Lagos State Government.
According to prosecutor Anthony Ihiehie, the defendants allegedly conspired on January 28, 2026, at Allen Avenue, Alausa, and the Assembly premises to engage in actions capable of causing a breach of peace, including threatening members of the public and obstructing traffic.
Both Soweto and Frank pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A brief drama unfolded in court when human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, announced his intention to represent the defendants. The prosecutor initially objected, citing a 2025 Oyo State court ruling that allegedly barred Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from appearing before lower courts.
Falana countered, arguing that both the Nigerian Constitution and the Lagos Magistrates’ Court Law explicitly permit any legal practitioner, irrespective of rank, to appear before magistrates’ courts.
Magistrate I.O. Alaka upheld Falana’s argument, stating, “The rank of SAN is not a restriction.”
The court subsequently granted bail of N200,000 each to the defendants, with two sureties, and adjourned the case to March 3, 2026, for mention.
The arraignment follows a protest organised by residents of Makoko and activists against illegal demolitions, land grabbing, and evictions in Lagos State.
Demonstrations at government premises have occasionally escalated into confrontations with security personnel, prompting arrests and legal actions.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about police conduct during such protests, stressing the need for lawful engagement and protection of the rights of demonstrators.
