Police Arraign Activists Soweto, Dele Frank Over Lagos Anti-Demolition Protest

The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday arraigned activists Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank before the Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court over their alleged involvement in a protest against illegal demolitions and land grabbing at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The defendants face five counts, including conspiracy, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, unlawful assembly, and obstruction of traffic.

The prosecution, led by Anthony Ihiehie, alleged that the defendants conspired on January 28, 2026, at Allen Avenue, Alausa, and the Assembly premises, engaging in actions that threatened public order and obstructed traffic. Both pleaded not guilty.

A procedural dispute arose when human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, announced his appearance for the defence. The prosecutor objected, citing a recent court decision from Oyo State said to bar Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from appearing in magistrates’ court.

Falana countered that the Nigerian Constitution and Lagos State law permit any qualified legal practitioner to appear before the court. Magistrate I.O. Alaka upheld Falana’s argument, ruling that the rank of SAN is not a restriction.

The court granted the defendants bail at N200,000 each with two sureties and adjourned the case to March 11, 2026, for mention.