The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday arraigned two activists, Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank, before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Yaba over their alleged participation in a protest against what organisers described as illegal demolitions, forced evictions, and land grabbing.
The defendants faced a five-count charge, including conspiracy, conduct likely to breach public peace, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, threats, and chanting of abusive songs against the police and the Lagos State Government.
The prosecutor, Mr. Anthony Ihiehie, told the court that the alleged offences occurred on January 28, 2026, at Allen Avenue, Alausa, and within the Lagos State House of Assembly premises.
Ihiehie alleged that Taiwo and Frank coordinated activities that disrupted public order, threatened members of the public, and impeded the free flow of traffic.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Court proceedings were briefly interrupted when renowned human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, announced his representation for the activists.
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The prosecution objected, citing a 2025 Oyo State court ruling that it claimed restricted Senior Advocates of Nigeria from appearing before lower courts.
Falana countered, arguing that both the Nigerian Constitution and the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court Law permit any qualified legal practitioner, regardless of rank, to appear in a magistrate’s court.
Magistrate I.O. Alaka upheld Falana’s argument, ruling that the status of Senior Advocate of Nigeria does not prevent a lawyer from representing clients in a lower court.
Following the ruling, the court granted the defendants bail of N200,000 each, with two sureties of similar value. The case was adjourned until March 3, 2026, for mention.
Observers note that the proceedings underscore ongoing tensions in Lagos between activists protesting urban development policies and authorities enforcing state directives, with legal advocacy playing a critical role in ensuring defendants’ rights are protected.