By SUNTV Global Channel
January 28, 2026 | News
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that detained activist Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Soweto, and fellow protest leader Dele Frank will be charged to court following a coffin-carrying protest that disrupted major roads in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday.
According to the police, the demonstration began at the Ikeja Under Bridge, where protesters blocked Awolowo Road for several hours, with the obstruction stretching towards Alausa, causing severe traffic gridlock and public disorder.
Soweto, a prominent member of the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM) and spokesperson for the #EndBadGovernance Movement in Lagos, was arrested while participating in a protest against the demolition and alleged forced eviction of residents from low-income communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode Onirin, and other parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the police said Soweto and Dele Frank are currently being investigated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, over what the Command described as a violent and unlawful protest.
Police alleged that the protesters carried a coffin, mounted loudspeakers on a vehicle, and barricaded major routes, bringing vehicular movement to a complete halt and creating panic in Ikeja and Alausa.
“The unlawful blockade of Awolowo Way down to the House of Assembly Road prevented people with medical emergencies from accessing hospitals and disrupted travellers heading to the airport,” the police stated, adding that reports of residents fainting in their vehicles were recorded during the chaos.
The Command maintained that officers exercised restraint despite what it described as violent confrontations by protesters, stressing that police intervention was necessary to restore law and order and protect lives and property.
At the Lagos State House of Assembly, police claimed protesters attempted to force their way into the complex before officers intervened. Five lawmakers reportedly came out to address the crowd and proposed dialogue, promising to forward the protesters’ grievances to relevant authorities.
However, police alleged that the offer was rejected, and that protesters barricaded the highway in front of the Assembly complex after Soweto allegedly instructed them to sit on the road, completely shutting down traffic.
“At this point, the police had no option but to apply minimal force by deploying teargas to disperse the crowd,” the statement said, adding that no deaths were recorded during the operation.
Following the dispersal, Soweto and Dele Frank were arrested at the scene. The police said they would be charged for conspiracy, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, threatening violence, inciting disorder, obstructing traffic, and other offences under the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
Police also disclosed that a white Toyota vehicle with registration number LND 968 YL, fitted with multiple loudspeakers and two generators, was recovered alongside a coffin allegedly used during the protest.
The Command insisted its actions were lawful, reiterating that while citizens have the right to protest, such actions must be peaceful and must not infringe on the rights of others.
“No one will be allowed to take the law into their hands or jeopardise public peace and safety,” the police said, adding that the suspects would be arraigned within the time stipulated by law.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Soweto and other detained protesters.
In a separate statement signed by its Organising Secretary, Peluola Adewale, the group accused security operatives of using excessive force to disperse what it described as a peaceful protest.
The DSM alleged that police fired teargas and live ammunition at protesters, resulting in one individual being shot in the leg. The group also claimed that a stampede triggered by the crackdown led to a woman being separated from her baby, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
“The police unleashed teargas and live bullets to violently disperse peaceful protesters. A protester was shot, and a woman has been separated from her baby due to the ensuing stampede,” the statement read.
The protesters, according to the group, were victims of demolitions and residents of affected communities demanding an end to what they described as unjust and inhumane forced evictions.
Condemning the arrests, the DSM called on the Lagos State Government to halt further demolitions and ensure adequate compensation for displaced residents.
“The struggle against forced evictions of poor communities must continue,” the group stated. “We demand the immediate release of Soweto and all detained protesters.”
