The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned two activists, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank, over their alleged roles in the anti-demolition protest held across parts of the state on Wednesday.
The activists were charged before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court on a five-count charge bordering on conduct likely to cause breach of public peace, obstruction of traffic and singing abusive songs aimed at inciting the public against the Lagos State Government.
According to the charge sheet filed by the police, the defendants, alongside others still at large, allegedly conducted themselves in a manner capable of causing public disorder at Ikeja, Allen Avenue, Alausa and the Lagos State House of Assembly complex on January 28, 2026.
The police further alleged that the activists blocked public highways with vehicles equipped with public address systems, thereby obstructing the free flow of traffic.
One of the charges stated that the defendants allegedly sang abusive songs against the Lagos State Government and the police with the intent to provoke the public and tarnish the image of the state government, offences said to be punishable under Section 57 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
THE PROTEST
Patriotic Insights News gathered that the protest was organised to kick against ongoing demolition exercises in affected communities including Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara and Baba-Ijora.
The protesters converged at the Ikeja under-bridge before marching through Obafemi Awolowo Road towards the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa.
Trouble reportedly started when the demonstrators insisted on gaining access into the Assembly complex before any official engagement, prompting police operatives to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Amid the ensuing chaos, protesters and journalists were forced to flee for safety, while several demonstrators were arrested by security operatives.
The case has been adjourned, while investigations continue.
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