Adeyanju Demands Immediate Release Of Activists Arrested In Lagos Over Demolition

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the arrest of activists in Lagos during protests against ongoing demolitions, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained, including Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto.

Adeyanju in a statement issued on Tuesday described the arrests as an attack on the poor and a dangerous attempt to criminalise poverty and civic engagement.

“I strongly condemn the arrest of activists, including Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, during protests in Lagos,” Adeyanju said.

“Targeting the poor and criminalising poverty is unacceptable,” the activist said.

Adeyanju stressed that advocating for marginalised communities should not be treated as a criminal act, insisting that peaceful protest remains a fundamental democratic right.

“It is not a crime to fight for the downtrodden and oppressed,” he said, adding that “no one should be punished for standing up for justice and human dignity,” he stated.

The activist further warned that suppressing dissent through arrests and intimidation undermines democracy and erodes public trust in government institutions.

“Activism is important to any democratic society,” Adeyanju stated. “Those who raise their voices for fairness and accountability must be allowed to do so without fear of violence or detention,” he said.

Calling on the authorities to immediately reverse what he described as wrongful actions, Adeyanju demanded the release of all detained protesters.

“I call for the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Soweto and all others who have been wrongfully detained,” he said.

He also urged government officials and security agencies to stop punishing citizens for exercising their rights and instead address the underlying issues that prompted the protests.

“Authorities must stop punishing people for demanding their rights,” Adeyanju said, reiterating that justice and human dignity must remain central to governance.