The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned two activists, Hassan Taiwo (popularly known as Soweto) and Dele Frank, before the Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court for their alleged involvement in a protest against illegal demolitions, forced evictions, and land grabbing.
The defendants face a five-count charge including conspiracy, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and chanting abusive songs directed at the police and the Lagos State Government.
According to prosecutor Anthony Ihiehie, the activists and others conspired on January 28, 2026, at Allen Avenue, Alausa, and near the Lagos State House of Assembly to carry out actions that threatened public peace and disrupted traffic. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A notable moment occurred during the proceedings when human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, announced his representation for the defendants. The prosecutor objected, citing a 2025 Oyo State court ruling that he claimed barred Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from appearing in lower courts.
Falana countered that the Nigerian Constitution and the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court Law allow any qualified legal practitioner to appear before magistrates’ courts, regardless of seniority. Magistrate I.O. Alaka ruled in favor of Falana, stating that “the rank of SAN is not a restriction.”
The court granted bail to each defendant at ₦200,000 with two sureties. The case was adjourned to March 3, 2026, for mention.
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