Court grants bail to Soweto, Dele Frank over Lagos protest

A Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday granted bail to human rights activists Taiwo ‘Soweto’ Hassan and Dele Frank, who were arrested during a protest against alleged illegal demolitions, forcible evictions and land grabbing in Lagos.

The Lagos State Police Command had arraigned the duo earlier in the day over their alleged roles in the protest, which took place on January 28, 2026, around Allen Avenue, Alausa, and within the Lagos State House of Assembly premises.

The defendants were charged on five counts bordering on conspiracy, conduct likely to cause breach of the peace, threats, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and singing abusive songs against the police and the Lagos State Government.

Prosecuting counsel, Anthony Ihiehie, told the court that Soweto, Frank and others still at large allegedly blocked major roads with a vehicle fitted with a public address system, obstructed free flow of traffic and threatened members of the public who refused to join the protest.

He further alleged that the defendants sang abusive songs against security agencies and the state government with intent to provoke the public and tarnish the image of the government.

According to the prosecution, the offences contravened Sections 411, 56, 57 and 57(c) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Proceedings took a dramatic turn when renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, announced his appearance for the defendants, prompting an objection from the prosecution.

Ihiehie argued that a 2025 Oyo State High Court judgment barred Senior Advocates of Nigeria from appearing before lower courts.

Falana faulted the objection, insisting that Section 36(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every defendant the right to be defended by a legal practitioner of their choice.

He also argued that the judgment cited by the prosecution was not applicable in Lagos State, adding that Section 9 of the Lagos Magistrates’ Court Law expressly permits all legal practitioners, regardless of rank, to appear before Magistrates’ Courts.

Describing the objection as an attempt to delay proceedings, Falana recalled that he had previously appeared before the same court alongside another SAN without any objection from the police.

In her ruling, Magistrate I. O. Alaka upheld Falana’s submission, holding that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria does not bar appearance before Magistrates’ Courts.

Following the ruling, Falana applied for bail on liberal terms, arguing that the charges violated Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The prosecution opposed the application, urging the court to impose strict conditions, citing concerns that the defendants might resume protests if released.

In her decision, Magistrate Alaka granted the defendants bail in the sum of ₦200,000 each, with two responsible sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case to March 11, 2026, for mention.

Falana undertook personal responsibility for ensuring the defendants’ appearance in court, an assurance accepted by the magistrate, who ordered that they be released to him.