Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Soweto, leader of a coalition protesting demolitions, forced evictions, and displacement in Lagos, has vowed to continue activism despite recent police arrests. Soweto and fellow activist Dele Frank were detained after leading a demonstration on Wednesday, during which Lagos State Police Command used tear gas to disperse protesters near the State House of Assembly.

The duo spent a night in custody and were arraigned at a Magistrate’s Court in Yaba on Thursday, granted bail of N200,000 each with two responsible sureties. They face a five-count charge, including conspiracy to commit a felony, obstructing traffic, threatening the public, and singing abusive songs against the police and state government.

Following his release, Soweto alleged that he experienced police brutality, claiming he was blindfolded and beaten before being taken to Panti Police Station. Despite the ordeal, he insisted the protests would persist until the demands of affected communities in Makoko, Oworonshoki, and other areas were addressed, including halting demolitions and providing fair compensation to victims.

Human rights advocates, including Comrade Alex Omotehinse of the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights and Comrade Ibrahim Oluwatobilola of Voice of the Masses, condemned the arrests, calling them excessive use of force and a sign of shrinking civic space. They urged authorities to respect citizens’ rights and address the grievances of displaced communities promptly.