A Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos has granted bail to activists Taiwo ‘Soweto’ Hassan and Dele Frank, who were arraigned for their roles in protests against alleged illegal demolitions and forced evictions in parts of Lagos State.
The duo, arrested on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, were arraigned on Thursday over five counts including conspiracy, conduct likely to cause breach of the peace, threats, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and singing abusive songs against the police and the Lagos State Government.
During proceedings before Magistrate Mrs. I.O. Alaka, the prosecution alleged that Soweto and Frank, along with others still at large, engaged in activities that disrupted public peace, blocked major roads with a vehicle equipped with a public address system, and threatened members of the public who did not join the demonstrations.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
They were represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana, whose appearance in court initially drew an objection from the prosecution.
The police counsel argued that a 2025 court ruling in another state barred SANs from appearing before lower courts, a point Falana successfully challenged by citing constitutional and Lagos State Magistrates’ Court Law provisions guaranteeing the right of defendants to legal representation of their choice.
The magistrate upheld Falana’s argument, affirming that there was no legal barrier to his appearance.
In her ruling, Magistrate Alaka granted Soweto and Frank bail in the sum of ₦200,000 each, with two responsible sureties in like sum.
Following the fulfillment of the bail conditions, Soweto and Frank were released from custody.
The bail terms were described as “liberal,” and Falana personally undertook to ensure the defendants’ appearance at future hearings.
The case has been adjourned for further mention on March 3, 2026.
