The Lagos State Police Command has filed formal charges against two activists arrested during protests against ongoing demolition exercises in several communities across the state.
The activists, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank, were arraigned before a magistrate court sitting in Yaba, Lagos, on a five-count charge bordering on breach of peace, obstruction of traffic and alleged incitement against the Lagos State Government.
Allegations Against The Defendants
According to the charge sheet presented by the police, the defendants were accused of conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of public peace during the protest held on January 28, 2026.
Police alleged that the activists blocked major roads with a vehicle fitted with a public address system, thereby obstructing vehicular movement in parts of Ikeja, Allen Avenue, Alausa and the Lagos State House of Assembly precincts.
One of the counts reads in part that the defendants “conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace,” an offence said to be punishable under Section 57 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Another count accused the activists of obstructing traffic on public highways, also contrary to the provisions of the same law.
‘Abusive Songs’ And Alleged Incitement
The police further alleged that the defendants sang what were described as abusive songs directed at the police and the Lagos State Government, with the intention of provoking members of the public and tarnishing the image of the state government.
In one of the charges, the police claimed that the songs were meant to incite the public and could potentially lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The charge sheet also alleged that the defendants threatened members of the public who declined to join the protest, although no specific victims were named in the court document.
Background To The Protest
The protest took place on Wednesday at the Ikeja Under Bridge, where demonstrators gathered to oppose demolition exercises reportedly affecting communities including Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara and Baba Ijora.
From the protest ground, the demonstrators marched along Obafemi Awolowo Road towards the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, demanding government intervention and an end to the demolitions.
Tear Gas And Arrests At Assembly Complex
At the Assembly complex, tension escalated when protesters insisted on gaining access into the premises before any government official could address them.
Police operatives deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd after the protesters refused to retreat, triggering panic in the area. Protesters and journalists were seen fleeing for safety as the tear gas spread across the vicinity.
Several demonstrators were arrested during the operation, while the situation was eventually brought under control by security personnel.
