A protest leader has accused the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, of personally leading an assault on peaceful demonstrators opposed to ongoing demolitions in Makoko, Oworonshoki and other areas of Lagos, adding to controversy over forced evictions.
Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, made the claim on Thursday following disturbances at a protest on Wednesday.
The protests involved residents and activists who marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly to oppose ongoing demolitions and alleged forced evictions that have displaced low-income communities. Participants carried placards and called for compensation and relocation plans.
Protesters staged a demonstration on Wednesday that began at the Ikeja Bridge and moved toward the Assembly in Alausa. Participants included residents from Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin, Ajegunle and other affected communities.
Demonstrators objected to demolition exercises that reportedly destroyed homes and livelihoods without sufficient notice or support.
Security forces, including police officers, used tear gas and other measures to disperse the crowd, leading to reports of injuries and arrests. Several protesters, including Soweto and activist Dele Frank, were detained during the confrontation.
Civil society groups and protesters described the police response as excessive. The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) demanded the immediate release of those detained and called for an investigation into actions by security operatives.
Soweto alleged that Commissioner Jimoh personally led officers in the operation against protesters. He made the claim as public debate intensified over police conduct during the protest.
Human rights advocates and activist organisations criticised the response, saying the protest was peaceful and that force used by officers was disproportionate. Another civil society group described the crackdown as an infringement on constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
Police have defended their actions and denied allegations of live gunfire during the incident.
The Lagos State Police Command said officers used teargas to control the crowd and maintain order, and that no firearm was discharged during the protest. The command also stated it respects citizens’ right to peaceful protest while ensuring public safety.
On Thursday, Soweto, Frank and other protesters were arraigned in Yaba Magistrate Court on multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit felony and obstruction of traffic. The magistrate granted bail of N200,000 each with two sureties, and the case was adjourned to March 3, 2026.
The legal action follows heightened tensions between residents, activists and state authorities over demolitions affecting several communities in Lagos.
The protests reflect broader concerns about demolition and eviction policies in Lagos. Residents have repeatedly expressed distress over disruptions to housing and livelihoods, while human rights organisations have called for more humane resettlement plans and compensation for displaced families.
Activist Hassan Taiwo, known as Soweto, has accused the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, of personally leading an assault on protesters demonstrating against demolitions in Makoko and Oworonshoki.
The incident resulted in arrests, legal actions and renewed debate over demolition policies, police conduct and the protection of citizens’ rights in Lagos State.
