Lagos-based rights activist Hassan Soweto has begun weeks of spine therapy after doctors found serious injury following what he calls a brutal police assault during a protest last month.
An MRI scan reportedly showed significant damage to his lower spine, Soweto told reporters, saying the injury happened when police arrested him at a peaceful march to the Lagos State House of Assembly on 28th January 2026.
The demonstration was organised to protest demolitions and forced evictions in low-income communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode Onirin and Ajegunle.
Soweto claimed officers fired tear gas into the crowd of peaceful protesters and carried out arrests, and that at least two others were hospitalised at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) after the confrontation.
He said he will use the therapy to recover strength so he can “continue to lead the struggle from the front.”
Soweto added, “My doctors are hopeful of full recovery,” and thanked civil society organisations, trade unions, human rights groups and members of the public for their support.
Soweto and fellow activist Dele Frank were later charged in court with offences including conduct likely to cause breach of public peace, unlawful assembly and singing abusive songs against the police and government.
Police have not publicly responded to his assault allegations.
The protest appears to have had immediate effects: Soweto said the Lagos State Government has temporarily halted demolitions in Makoko and begun negotiations with community leaders over compensation, rebuilding and resettlement.
The community and civil society movements have welcomed the pause, though full talks have not been independently confirmed.
Soweto warned that protests may resume if there is no public hearing by the Lagos Assembly on alleged illegal demolitions and forced evictions.
“A megacity cannot be built on the bones and blood of the poor,” he said.
