A lecturer at McGill University, Richard Janda, has called on the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to discontinue legal proceedings against two activists charged over a peaceful protest against forced evictions.
In a letter addressed to the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, Babajide Martins, Janda requested the immediate withdrawal of charges against Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank.
The activists are being prosecuted for their roles in a January 28 protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, where demonstrators opposed alleged demolitions and displacement of residents in waterfront communities.
Janda described the charges as unfounded, arguing that prosecuting the activists undermines democratic freedoms and suppresses peaceful expression. He emphasized that both men were exercising their rights while protesting against evictions affecting vulnerable communities, including Makoko.
The case has been adjourned to April 24, 2026, at a Magistrate Court in Yaba.
The law professor also cited a July 24, 2025 judgment by the Federal High Court in Lagos, which ordered authorities to pay ₦10 million in damages to Soweto and others over their arrest during a peaceful demonstration marking the anniversary of the End SARS protests.
Janda further condemned the alleged assault on Soweto during the January protest, which reportedly caused severe back injuries, and called for an independent investigation into the incident.
He also demanded the return of items allegedly confiscated by police, including DJ equipment, a generator, a laptop, and a first aid kit.
The activists were arraigned on January 29 on a five-count charge, including conspiracy, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, as well as making alleged abusive statements against authorities.
Both defendants were granted bail of ₦200,000 each with two sureties and released into the custody of their counsel, Femi Falana.
