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The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday brought two activists, Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank, before the Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Yaba, Lagos, over their alleged involvement in a protest against what organisers described as illegal demolitions, forced evictions and land grabbing.
The defendants were arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conduct likely to breach public peace, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, threats, and the alleged chanting of abusive songs against the police and the Lagos State Government.
Presenting the case, the prosecutor, Mr Anthony Ihiehie, told the court that the alleged offences were committed on January 28, 2026, at Allen Avenue, Alausa, and within the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
He said the defendants allegedly acted in concert to engage in activities capable of disturbing public order, including threatening members of the public and impeding the free flow of traffic.
Both Taiwo and Frank pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Proceedings were briefly interrupted when renowned human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, announced his appearance for the defendants.
The prosecution objected, citing a 2025 court decision from Oyo State, which it claimed restricted Senior Advocates of Nigeria from appearing before lower courts.
Falana, however, disagreed, arguing that both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court Law clearly allow any qualified legal practitioner, irrespective of rank, to appear before a magistrate’s court.
In her ruling, Magistrate I.O. Alaka upheld Falana’s position, noting that the status of Senior Advocate of Nigeria does not bar a lawyer from appearing in a lower court.
The court thereafter admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N200,000 each, with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case until March 3, 2026, for mention.
Protest: Police arraign Soweto, Dele Frank over State Assembly demonstration in Lagos
