CACOL Condemns Police Action as Lagos Command Defends “Minimum Force” in Alausa Protest

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has strongly condemned the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters at the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa on Wednesday, January 27, 2026, and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested, including prominent activist and youth leader Comrade Hassan Soweto.

In a press statement signed by Director of Administration and Programmes Tola Oresanwo, CACOL described the police response—marked by gunfire, aggressive action, and injuries—as a “gross overreach of authority” and a “blatant violation of democratic norms.”

The coalition of protesters, organized under the banner of the Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Land Grabbing, and Displacement, had gathered to demand entry into the Assembly and voice opposition to recurring threats of forced evictions, home demolitions, and displacement affecting communities across Lagos.

CACOL emphasized that the protest was a legitimate exercise of fundamental rights guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which protects the right to peaceful assembly and association, as well as Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Lagos State Police Command Response

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has defended its use of tear gas to disperse protesters who blocked the Awolowo Way to the Lagos State House of Assembly Road for over six hours on January 27, 2026, describing the action as “minimum force” to restore public peace and prevent danger to lives and property.

In a detailed statement released ton X, the command said the group—protesting against demolitions, forced evictions, land grabbing, and displacement in areas including Makoko and Oworoonsoki—converged at the Ikeja Under Bridge earlier in the day, carrying a coffin and blocking the entire road down to Alausa.

The blockage prevented access to hospitals for medical emergencies, disrupted travel to the airport, and created panic, with alleged reports of sick people fainting in vehicles and residents scampering for safety.

Police stated that five Honourable Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly came out to address the protesters, promising to convey their grievances to the Assembly management and urging peace. The appeal was ignored, and protesters—led by Taiwo Hassan (nicknamed “Soweto”)—barricaded the highway and sat on the road, halting all movement. Officers then used tear gas to clear the area, opened the road, and restored normalcy.

The command insisted no deaths or injuries occurred among protesters due to the measured response.

Arrests and Legal Action

Two individuals—Taiwo Hassan and Dele Frank—were arrested at the scene and charged with conspiracy, conduct likely to cause breach of the peace, threatening violence, instigating disorder, and obstruction of traffic flow contrary to the Criminal Law of Lagos State. A white Toyota Corolla vehicle (registration Lagos LND 968 YL) mounted with loudspeakers and two generator sets, used to block the highway, was recovered as an exhibit, along with a coffin carried to cause fear.

Formal Demands from CACOL

The organization made the following demands:

• Immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Hassan Soweto and all other detained protesters.

• Transparent and independent investigation into the conduct of police officers involved, with prosecution of those found culpable of abuse of power and human rights violations.

• Public commitment from the Inspector General of Police and Lagos State Commissioner of Police to respect the right to peaceful protest, including issuance of clear guidelines prohibiting violent disruption of lawful assemblies.

CACOL described the incident as having grave implications:

• Criminalization of Civil Dissent — The use of force sends a chilling message that legitimate grievances will be met with violence, effectively stifling democratic dialogue.

• Erosion of Public Trust — Such actions further damage the already strained relationship between citizens and law enforcement, replacing cooperation with fear and resentment.

• Escalation of Tensions — Violence against protesters fighting for shelter and survival risks provoking further unrest and undermining social stability in Lagos State.

• Violation of Human Dignity — The assault and arrests constitute a direct attack on the dignity and inalienable rights of citizens seeking to prevent homelessness and destitution.

Context: Forced Evictions in Lagos

Forced evictions and demolitions have been recurring issues in Lagos, particularly in informal settlements, waterfront communities, and areas targeted for urban renewal, infrastructure projects, and private development.

Affected residents often face sudden displacement without adequate notice, compensation, or alternative accommodation, leading to loss of livelihoods, disruption of education, and increased vulnerability.

The Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Land Grabbing, and Displacement has emerged as a key advocacy platform, organising protests and demanding policy changes, resettlement plans, and respect for constitutional rights to housing and dignity.

CACOL’s intervention aligns with its mandate to promote accountability, transparency, open leadership, and human rights across Nigeria and Africa.

Current Status

The exact number of detainees and their conditions remain unclear. No official statement from the Lagos State Police Command or the House of Assembly has addressed the use of force or the arrests.

CACOL reiterated solidarity with the coalition and all communities facing displacement, describing their struggle as one for “justice, shelter, and human dignity.”

The statement concluded: “A democracy that cannot tolerate the peaceful voice of its people is a democracy in peril. We stand in solidarity with the Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Land Grabbing, and Displacement and all oppressed communities across Nigeria. The state must listen to them, not brutalize.”