Comrade Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, has vowed to continue campaigning against forced evictions in Lagos despite the adjournment of his ongoing trial.
Soweto spoke on Wednesday after the Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court adjourned proceedings to April 24, 2026, following the absence of his co-defendant, Dele Frank, who reportedly fell ill.
The magistrate declined the prosecutor’s request to issue a bench warrant against Frank.
Describing the trial as politically motivated, Soweto said it is aimed at silencing critics of Lagos State Government demolition policies.
“This is a sham trial… simply because we dare to challenge government policies that displace poor people,” he said, citing past demolitions in Otumara and Maroko.
He added that he and his colleagues would continue to oppose demolitions affecting low-income communities.
“Anywhere the Lagos State Government attempts to demolish poor people’s homes without compensation and without following the law, we are going to be there to stop it,” Soweto declared.
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Soweto also revealed he is still receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the January 28, 2026 protest, saying he cannot stand or walk for long periods without pain. Despite this, he expressed no regrets about participating in the protest.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate alleged police abuses during riverine community protests, which he said led to 12 deaths in Makoko and 35 in Oworonshoki.
The case stems from the January 28 protest at Allen Avenue, Alausa, and the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Soweto and Frank are charged with conspiracy, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and allegedly singing abusive songs against the police and the Lagos State Government. Both pleaded not guilty.
Earlier, both defendants were granted bail of N200,000 each, with two responsible sureties of like sum. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana undertook to ensure their appearance in court.
Outside the courtroom, members of the Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Landgrabbing and Displacement in Lagos State, along with community members and civil society groups, gathered in solidarity with the defendants, calling for investigations into alleged police abuses during demolition exercises across the state.