- Soweto, Dele Frank Face Trial Over Anti-Demolition Protest in Lagos
- Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges
- A brief drama unfolded during the proceedings when human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, announced his appearance for the defendants
The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday arraigned two activists, Comrade 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, forced evictions and land grabbing.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the defendants were charged with five counts, including conspiracy, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, threats, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic and the singing of abusive songs against the police and the Lagos State Government.
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Prosecutor Anthony Ihiehie told the court that the defendants allegedly conspired on January 28, 2026, at Allen Avenue, Alausa, and within the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly to carry out actions capable of disturbing public peace. He said the protest involved threats to members of the public and obstruction of traffic.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
A brief drama unfolded during the proceedings when human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, announced his appearance for the defendants. The prosecutor objected, citing a 2025 court decision from Oyo State, which he claimed barred Senior Advocates of Nigeria from appearing before magistrates’ courts.
Falana countered the objection, arguing that the Constitution and the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court Law clearly allow any legal practitioner, regardless of rank, to appear before a magistrates’ court.
In his ruling, Magistrate I.O. Alaka upheld Falana’s position, stating that “the rank of SAN is not a restriction” in magistrates’ court proceedings.
The court subsequently granted the defendants bail in the sum of ₦200,000 each, with two sureties, and adjourned the case to March 3, 2026, for mention.
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