A magistrate court sitting in Yaba, Lagos, has granted bail to Taiwo Hassan (popularly known as Soweto) and Dele Frank, two activists arrested during a protest against ongoing demolitions in parts of the state.
The activists were arraigned by the police on five counts, including allegations of conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the police, Hassan and Frank allegedly threatened members of the public who refused to participate in the protest. They were also accused of chanting songs described as abusive toward the Lagos state government, with the intent to provoke public unrest.
The charge sheet stated that the defendants, alongside others still at large, allegedly conducted themselves in a manner capable of breaching public peace at several locations in Ikeja, including Allen Avenue, Alausa, and the Lagos State House of Assembly complex. The alleged offences are said to be punishable under Section 57 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The arrests followed a protest by residents affected by demolitions in communities such as Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara, and Baba Ijora. The demonstrators marched to the Ikeja area to demand an end to the demolitions.
Tension escalated when protesters attempted to gain access to the Lagos State House of Assembly complex, prompting police operatives to disperse the crowd with tear gas.
During the court session, Femi Falana (SAN), counsel to the defendants, applied for bail on their behalf. However, the police prosecutor urged the court to impose stringent bail conditions, arguing that the offences were serious.
In her ruling, the magistrate granted the activists ₦200,000 bail each, with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned until March 3, 2026, for further hearing.
