Two Lagos-based activists, Comrade Hassan Taiwo, widely known as Soweto, and fellow campaigner Dele Frank, have been arraigned before the Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court over their roles in a protest against alleged illegal demolitions, forcible evictions and land grabbing in the state.

The protest, held at the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa, Ikeja, was part of a growing wave of resistance by residents and rights groups who accuse authorities and powerful private interests of displacing vulnerable communities without due process or adequate compensation.

Police charged Taiwo and Frank with five counts, including conspiracy, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic and singing what were described as abusive songs against the police and the Lagos State Government. Prosecutors alleged that the pair mobilised demonstrators at Allen Avenue and around the Assembly complex in a manner capable of intimidating members of the public and disrupting free movement.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty, insisting that they were exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. Supporters who thronged the court premises described the case as an attempt to criminalise dissent and silence critics of the state’s urban renewal and land policies.

The proceedings took an unexpected turn when prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, announced his appearance for the defendants. Prosecutor Anthony Ihiehie objected, relying on a controversial Oyo State High Court decision that he claimed barred Senior Advocates of Nigeria from appearing before magistrates’ courts.

Falana rejected that position, arguing that neither the Nigerian Constitution nor the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court Law imposes such a limitation. He maintained that any duly qualified legal practitioner, regardless of rank, is entitled to represent clients in any court created by law.

Magistrate I O Alaka upheld Falana’s argument, ruling that the status of Senior Advocate is not a barrier to appearing in a magistrates’ court. The decision was welcomed by defence lawyers and observers as a clarification of the scope of legal representation in lower courts.

The magistrate granted Taiwo and Frank bail in the sum of N200,000 each, with two sureties in like amount. The case was adjourned for further mention, leaving the activists to continue their legal battle while rights groups vow to keep spotlighting demolitions and evictions across Lagos.