Court Grants ₦400k Bail To 2 Activists Arrested During Anti-Demolition Protest In Lagos

The Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has granted bail of ₦200,000 each to activists Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank, who were arrested and detained during a protest against demolitions in several communities across Lagos State.

The duo was arraigned by the police on five counts of disturbing public peace.

They pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

According to the police, the activists allegedly threatened to harm members of the public who did not join the protest.

They were also accused of singing abusive songs against the Lagos State Government and the police in an attempt to incite the public.

Parts of the charge sheet alleged that on January 28, 2026, at Ikeja, Allen Avenue, Alausa and the Lagos State House of Assembly premises, the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace, an offence punishable under Section 57 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Another count accused them of singing abusive songs with the intent to provoke and tarnish the image of the Lagos State Government, contrary to Section 57(c) of the same law.

The arrests followed a protest by residents of Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara and Baba-Ijora communities, who converged on the Ikeja area on Wednesday to protest ongoing demolitions by the State Government.

Tension escalated when protesters attempted to gain access into the Lagos State House of Assembly complex, prompting police operatives to fire tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd.

During court proceedings on Thursday, counsel to the defendants, Femi Falana, urged the court to grant his clients bail. The police prosecutor, however, asked the court to impose strict conditions, stressing the seriousness of the case.

In her ruling, the magistrate granted bail to the two activists for ₦200,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned to March 3, 2026, for further hearing.