Yaba Magistrate Court Arraigns Two Activists for Lagos House of Assembly Protest; Case Adjourned to March
On Thursday, the Lagos State Police Command brought activist Comrade Hassan Taiwo (Soweto) and Dele Frank before the Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court. The charges stem from their involvement in a demonstration at the Lagos State House of Assembly protesting forced evictions, illegal demolitions, and land grabbing.
The duo faces a five-count charge that includes:
- Conspiracy and unlawful assembly.
- Conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and issuing threats.
- Obstructing traffic and singing “abusive songs” targeting the police and state government.
Prosecutor Anthony Ihiehie alleged that on January 28, 2026, the defendants organized at Allen Avenue and the House of Assembly premises to disrupt public order and threaten citizens. Both Soweto and Frank maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to all counts.
The courtroom saw a brief legal skirmish when human rights attorney Femi Falana, SAN, stood to represent the activists. The prosecutor immediately challenged Falana’s presence, pointing to a controversial 2025 Oyo State court ruling that purportedly bans Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from practicing in lower magistrate courts.
Falana swiftly dismissed the objection, asserting that the Constitution and the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court Law override such arguments, guaranteeing that any qualified legal practitioner—regardless of their senior status—has the right to appear.
Magistrate I.O. Alaka sided with the defense, ruling that the prestigious SAN title is an honor, not a limitation on where a lawyer can practice.
Following the legal arguments, Magistrate Alaka granted both defendants bail set at ₦200,000 each. As part of the release conditions, they must each provide two sureties. The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 3, 2026, for mention.
