The trial of activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Dele Frank over the January 28, 2026 demonstration against the demolition of Makoko and the eviction of residents of other informal communities in Lagos State has been adjourned to October 26, 2026.
A Lagos State Magistrate’s Court sitting in Yaba adjourned the matter after the police prosecutor and prosecution witnesses were absent when the case came up for trial. The defendants’ counsel, O.C. Olagunju, said an application would be made to strike out the case if the prosecution failed to appear on the next adjourned date.
The case arose from a protest held on January 28 against the demolition of Makoko and the eviction of residents of other informal communities, including Owode-Onirin, Ajegunle and Oworonshoki. Soweto said the protesters were heavily attacked and repressed by the police during the demonstration, resulting in injuries and the seizure of personal belongings and equipment.
Soweto said the defendants had been arraigned on January 29 and that proceedings since then had largely been preliminary. He added that the matter had earlier been adjourned on May 28 for the commencement of trial.
Meanwhile, most of the items seized by the police have been released following an earlier court order directing their return. Soweto said between 80 and 90 per cent of the seized items had been recovered, but a laptop belonging to a DJ remained in police custody.
He appealed to officials of the Panti Police Station and the new Commissioner of Police in Lagos State to ensure the release of the remaining laptop.
Despite the continued proceedings, Soweto said the defendants remained undeterred and maintained their position on what he described as the right of poor and working-class people to live in Lagos State.
The matter will now return to court on October 26, 2026.
