Taiwo ‘Soweto’ Hassan and Dele Frank appeared before a Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday after their arrest during Wednesday’s protest. The Lagos State Police Command brought five charges against them, including conspiracy, conduct likely to breach the peace, unlawful assembly, traffic obstruction, and singing songs deemed offensive to authorities.
Prosecutor Anthony Ihiehie told the court the defendants committed the alleged offences on January 28, 2026, at Allen Avenue, Alausa, and near the House of Assembly. He claimed they engaged in activities that could disturb public peace, formed an unauthorized gathering, blocked traffic with a vehicle equipped with sound equipment, and sang critical songs about the police and Lagos State Government.
Both activists pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case took an unexpected turn when renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, appeared for the defense. The prosecution objected, citing a 2025 Oyo State High Court ruling that allegedly barred Senior Advocates from practicing in lower courts.
Falana countered that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees defendants the right to choose their legal representation. He pointed to Section 9 of the Lagos Magistrates’ Court Law, which allows legal practitioners of any rank to appear before magistrate courts in the state, arguing the Oyo judgment had no jurisdiction in Lagos.
Magistrate I. O. Alaka sided with Falana, ruling that SAN rank does not restrict court appearances.
During bail arguments, Falana contended the charges violated constitutional guarantees of free expression and assembly. The prosecution requested strict bail conditions, warning the defendants might resume protesting if released.
Magistrate Alaka set bail at N200,000 for each defendant, requiring two responsible sureties each. She adjourned the matter until March 11, 2026, and accepted Falana’s personal undertaking to ensure the defendants’ court appearance, ordering their release into his custody.
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