Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, a rights activist abducted on Tuesday after a protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, has been brought before Magistrate Court 2 of the Yaba Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Soweto was arrested following a protest against alleged illegal demolitions, forcible evictions and land grabbing in parts of the state.
He was brought to court by the police on Thursday, with visible injuries, including a swollen face.
Speaking briefly in court, Soweto alleged that he was brutally assaulted while in police custody and that some of his personal belongings were stolen.
“I was beaten by the police, and my property was taken from me,” he told the court.
Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, arrived in court to represent Soweto.
The case had not been called as of the time of filing this report.
The arrest has drawn condemnation from civil rights groups, who accuse the authorities of using intimidation to suppress lawful protests. They are demanding Soweto’s immediate release and an independent investigation into his alleged assault.
A robust update is expected as proceedings continue.
