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Members of the Youth Rights Campaign, YRC, alongside activists affiliated with the EndBadGovernance Lagos Movement on Wednesday gathered at the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos to express support for activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto and musician Dele Frank, popularly known as Arole Fela.
Both men are facing trial over their alleged involvement in a protest against demolitions and forced evictions in some communities across the state.
The activists assembled at Court 2 of the courthouse on March 11, 2026, in solidarity with the defendants, who were arrested following a demonstration held on January 28 to oppose demolition exercises and evictions affecting several Lagos communities.
Proceedings in the matter were later adjourned until April 24, 2026, after the second defendant, Dele Frank, was absent from court due to health concerns.
The presiding magistrate granted the adjournment after the defence team informed the court that Frank was unwell and unable to attend the hearing in person.
Despite this explanation, the prosecuting counsel urged the court to issue a warrant for Frank’s arrest.
Reacting to the development, the Youth Rights Campaign, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Michael Adaramoye Lenin, and National Secretary, Francis Nwapa, described the trial as a “vindictive attempt to punish dissent and intimidate activists,” alleging that the charges were politically motivated.
The group also alleged that Soweto was subjected to torture by officers of the Lagos State Police Command following his arrest after the protest.
“Soweto was not just arrested but was also brutally tortured by CP Moshood Jimoh and his men for playing a leading role in the struggle to defend oppressed communities,” the statement read.
The organisation further accused the Lagos State Government of working with land grabbers to displace residents of low-income communities for luxury housing developments.
According to the YRC, the prosecution of the two activists is an attempt to divert attention from growing public criticism surrounding the alleged forced evictions.
The group therefore called for an investigation into the conduct of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, over the alleged mistreatment of activists and residents.
“We therefore renew our demand for the immediate investigation, removal and prosecution of CP Moshood Jimoh for his role in the brutalisation of activists and residents,” the group said.
It also urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to halt what it described as the violent eviction of working-class communities across the state.
Protest breaks out as Lagos courts adjourns trial of Soweto, Arole Fela
