The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday arraigned activist Comrade Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, alongside Dele Frank, before the Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court over their alleged involvement in a protest against illegal demolitions, forced evictions, and land grabbing at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The duo faced five-count charges bordering on conspiracy, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, threats, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and singing abusive songs against the police and the Lagos State Government.
Prosecuting counsel Anthony Ihiehie told the court that the defendants, on January 28, 2026, at Allen Avenue, Alausa, and within the House of Assembly premises, engaged in activities capable of causing public disorder, including threatening passersby and blocking traffic.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A moment of drama unfolded during proceedings when human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, announced his appearance for the defendants. The prosecutor objected, citing a purported 2025 Oyo State High Court judgment that allegedly barred Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from appearing before lower courts.
Falana, however, dismissed the objection, arguing that Section 36(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 9 of the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court Law guarantee every citizen the right to be represented by a lawyer of their choice, regardless of rank.
In her ruling, Magistrate I.O. Alaka upheld Falana’s argument, stating that “the rank of SAN is not a restriction to appearance before this court.”
The magistrate subsequently granted bail to both defendants in the sum of ₦200,000 each, with two responsible sureties, and adjourned the case to March 3, 2026, for further mention.
