By Ehis Agbon | Abuja, Nigeria
Fresh concerns over civil liberties and forced evictions in Lagos State have emerged following the arrest of prominent activist, Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, and several other protesters during a peaceful demonstration at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The protesters, drawn from waterfront and low-income communities including Makoko, Ajegunle, Oworonshoki, and other parts of the state, were demonstrating against what they described as the illegal demolition of workers’ homes when they were arrested on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
According to a statement issued by Socialist Labour, the protesters had gathered peacefully to demand an end to what they called state-backed demolitions that have displaced thousands of low-income earners and informal workers across Lagos.
Confrontation at the Assembly
Socialist Labour alleged that the protest initially drew the attention of members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Otunba Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, who reportedly attempted to persuade the demonstrators to discontinue the protest.
The group further claimed that the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Owonikoko, later joined efforts to disperse the protesters.
According to the statement, Comrade Soweto and other demonstrators insisted on their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, arguing that their protest was lawful and non-violent.
Allegations of Force and Arrests
Socialist Labour alleged that tensions escalated after security operatives failed to convince the protesters to leave, resulting in the use of force, including tear gas, to disperse the crowd.
The organisation claimed that several protesters were assaulted, tear-gassed, and arrested, including Comrade Soweto, for what it described as the lawful exercise of their civic rights.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had not publicly responded to the allegations.
Demolition Policy Under Fire
The arrests have reignited debate over Lagos State’s urban renewal policies, which critics say disproportionately affect poor and working-class communities.
In its statement, Socialist Labour accused the state government of pursuing demolitions that worsen homelessness among workers, while allegedly prioritising the interests of political allies, land speculators, and private real estate developers.
“The homes of workers and poor people cannot be destroyed under the guise of development,” the group said, warning that such actions deepen inequality and social injustice in Africa’s most populous city.
Calls for Solidarity and Release
Socialist Labour has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Soweto and all other detained protesters. The group also called on trade unions, resident associations, and civil society organisations affected by demolitions to unite against what it termed state-sponsored repression.
The organisation urged Nigerians to defend the rights to peaceful protest and free expression, describing them as essential pillars of democracy.
As public reactions continue to mount, the incident adds to ongoing national conversations around housing rights, urban development, and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
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