Hassan Taiwo Soweto, a leading member of the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM, CWI in Nigeria) and spokesperson of #EndBadGovernance Movement Lagos, was arrested on 28 January at the Lagos State House of Assembly, with other protesters. The protest was organised by residents against the demolition and forced eviction of Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode Onirin and other poor communities in Lagos. The following is a statement issued after Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Dele Frank (Arole Fela) were released on bail.
The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) confirms that Hassan Taiwo Soweto, leading member of the Democratic Socialist Movement and spokesperson of #EndBadGovernance Movement Lagos, and Dele Frank (Arole Fela) have been granted bail today, 29 January, and their matter has been adjourned to 11 March.
We appreciate the overwhelming solidarity and pressure mounted by comrades, civil society organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians who demanded their immediate release.
However, we must make it abundantly clear to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, that the struggle against forced eviction, land grabbing, and state repression in Lagos State will continue. No amount of intimidation will silence us.
We strongly condemn the brutal assault carried out by CP Moshood Jimoh on Soweto personally. Soweto’s clothes were torn, his glasses broken, shoes seized and, while restrained, blindfolded with remnants of his torn clothes. This was the reason why, when in court today, Soweto was barefoot and in his underwear.
This attack on peaceful protesters is an attack on democracy itself and represents conduct wholly unbecoming of a senior police officer. We are however not surprised by the violent conduct of the CP. He has a long record of repression and abuse of power.
Let it be known: nothing shall discourage us. Activists and organisations involved in this campaign remain resolute and unwavering in the struggle against tyranny, forceful eviction, land grabbing, and all attempts to criminalise peaceful protest.
An injury to one is an injury to all. The struggle continues.
