Lagos activist pledges to fight evictions as court adjourns case
Three to four sentences introducing the story. Comrade Hassan Taiwo (also known as Soweto) has reaffirmed his commitment to campaigning against forced evictions in Lagos, despite facing trial alongside his co-defendant, Dele Frank. The trial at the Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court was adjourned due to Frank’s illness, but Soweto insists their struggle against demolitions targeting low-income communities will continue. He described the prosecution as politically motivated and called for investigations into alleged police abuses during protests.
What happened
- The Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court adjourned the trial of Comrade Hassan Taiwo and Dele Frank to April 24, 2026, after Frank was absent due to illness.
- Both activists were arrested on January 28, 2026, during a protest against demolitions and evictions in Lagos, and arraigned the next day, January 29, 2026.
- Soweto said he is still receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the crackdown on the January 28, 2026, protest and began physiotherapy on February 11, 2026.
- The case was previously adjourned to March 11, 2026, and both defendants were granted bail.
- Activists and civil society groups have called for investigations into alleged police misconduct and killings during demolition exercises in Lagos communities.
