Lagos: Coalition vows to sustain anti-eviction campaign despite trial of members

By Lukman Olabiyi

Members of the Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Evictions, Land Grabbing and Displacements in Lagos, have vowed to continue their campaign against forced evictions in the state despite the on-going prosecution of some of their members.

The coalition made this known after the case involving rights activist, Hassan Taiwo, and his co-defendant, Dele Frank, was adjourned at the Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court to April 24, 2026.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition after the court sitting, Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, said his on-going trial alongside Frank would not deter the group from continuing its struggle to defend the rights of residents affected by demolitions and evictions across the state.

Taiwo and Frank are standing trial over their alleged roles in protests against purported illegal demolitions and forced evictions in parts of Lagos, particularly in Makoko and the Owode Onirin Market area.

The activists were arrested on January 28, 2026, and arraigned the following day on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, threats, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and allegedly singing abusive songs against the police and the Lagos State Government. Both defendants were subsequently granted bail by the court.

The coalition called for an investigation into the events surrounding the protest, alleging that police officers fired tear gas at thousands of demonstrators who marched against forced evictions.

According to the group, Taiwo and Frank were arrested during the protest and allegedly subjected to torture before being charged with what it described as baseless allegations, including singing abusive songs.

The coalition also urged the new Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to sanitise the police force by investigating the Nigeria Police Force in the state, particularly Jimoh Moshood, over alleged abuses and deaths linked to officers under his command during demolition operations in several communities.