Activists rally against demolitions: Human rights organizations appeal to Public Service Commission, seeking compensation for Soweto residents and other affected communities

A total of 15 civil society and human rights organisations have submitted a petition to the Police Service Commission, seeking an immediate probe into the actions of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, regarding the alleged abduction, assault, and torture of activist Hassan Soweto during a protest against forced evictions in Lagos.

n

The petition, which was dated March 9 and addressed to PSC Chairman, Hashimu Argungu, accuses the police chief of abusing his power, making unlawful arrests, and engaging in torture during the January 28, 2026 protest.

n

Organisations that signed the petition include Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, Justice and Empowerment Initiatives, Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria, Take It Back Movement, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, and Activista Nigeria, among others.

n

The protest in question, which drew over 5,000 participants from communities such as Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, and Ajegunle, aimed to bring an end to alleged illegal demolitions and forced evictions in the state.

n

According to the petitioners, the demonstration was peaceful until police officers allegedly fired tear gas near the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa, resulting in injuries to several protesters and a passer-by.

n

Kafayat Muftahudeen, one of the protesters, was reportedly hospitalised for seven days at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after being struck by a tear-gas canister.

n

The groups further alleged that Soweto, who led the protest, was arrested on the orders of the police commissioner, blindfolded, handcuffed, and beaten by officers.

n

A medical report from Dr. Oluwadara A. Badejo of Cityview Hospital, Ogba, reportedly confirmed that Soweto suffered multiple injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma.

n

The organisations also claimed that while detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department Panti, Soweto was denied access to his lawyer and family members.

n

The groups urged the PSC to launch an independent investigation into the alleged assault, torture, and unlawful detention of the activist and other protesters.

n

They warned that considering the Lagos CP for promotion while the allegations remain unresolved could undermine public confidence in the police disciplinary system.

n

The organisations also demanded justice and compensation for protesters injured during the crackdown and called on the commission to take appropriate disciplinary action if the allegations are proven.