The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday brought two activists, Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank, before the Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Yaba, Lagos, over their alleged involvement in a protest against what organisers described as illegal demolitions, forced evictions and land grabbing. The defendants were arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conduct likely to breach public peace, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, threats, and the alleged chanting of abusive songs against the police and the Lagos State Government. Presenting the case, the prosecutor, Mr Anthony Ihiehie, told the court that the alleged offences were committed on January 28, 2026, at Allen Avenue, Alausa, and within the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The prosecution objected, citing a 2025 court decision from Oyo State, which it claimed restricted Senior Advocates of Nigeria from appearing before lower courts. Falana, however, disagreed, arguing that both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court Law clearly allow any qualified legal practitioner, irrespective of rank, to appear before a magistrate’s court.