Police arrest #EndBadGovernance leader, Hassan Soweto, others for protesting against Makoko, Oworonshoki demolition in Lagos 

CITIZENS COMPASS— Police in Lagos on Wednesday, arrested the spokesperson of #EndBadGovernance Movement in Lagos, Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, alongside others for protesting against the unjust demolition of houses and forceful eviction of the masses in Makoko, Oworonshoki and Owode Onirin areas of the state.

The protesters were arrested during a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa Ikeja after the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) fired canisters to disperse them.

Soweto is a leading member of the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM).

Thousands of residents, particularly traders and masses have been evicted following demolition exercises in Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin and Makoko.

Some concerned citizens have pointed accusing fingers at the state government for conniving with suspected land grabbers to evict innocent residents.

The state government however said that the demolition exercises were carried out in good faith.

The protest was organised by Coalition Against demolition, Forced Eviction, Land grabbing and displacement in Lagos.

It took off under the Ikeja Bridge and Awolowo Road as the protesters marched to the entrance of the state House of Assembly complex chanting solidarity songs.

They bore placards with various inscriptions which read: ”Lagos is not for the rich alone”, “A Megacity can not be built on the bones and blood of the poor”, “End demolition now” and “End forced eviction,” among others.

They were later teargassed and dispersed while Soweto alongside others were arrested by the Police.

Time was at about 1.30p.m.

At press time, the exact number of those arrested could not be established.

The arrest caused pandemonium in the axis as many people were injured in the process.

Meanwhile, The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Lagos State Branch, has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the protesters.

The Branch Chairman, Comrade Adewale Ojo, demanded the release in a statement which reads: The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Lagos State Branch demands immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Other protesters who were out there exercising their fundamental rights of association and expression to registered complaint and solidarise with all communities facing forceful eviction and displacement in Lagos State led by the state machineries who are using official and State power to grab land in Lagos metropolis.

Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, a leading member of the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM) and spokesperson of #EndBadGovernance Movement in Lagos and other protesters were arrested today Wednesday January 28, 2026 at the Lagos State House of Assembly after the police tear gassed and forcefully dispersed them from the peaceful protest.

The protest was against the unjust demolition of houses and forceful eviction of residents and poor masses in the communities of Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode Onirin in Lagos.

The CDHR hereby calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Soweto and other protesters.

Sanwolu should let the poor masses breathe !