Rights groups and activists on Monday demanded an immediate investigation into the crackdown on peaceful protesters and called for the removal of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, citing alleged killings, police brutality, and violent suppression of demonstrations against demolitions in waterfront and low-income communities.
During a press conference at the International Press Centre in Ogba, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) accused the police of attempting to criminalise victims of forced evictions following a press briefing by Mr Jimoh at the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market.
CHSR alleged that six young men from the community were killed during protests in August 2025, describing the victims as breadwinners whose deaths remain uninvestigated.
CHSR President Alex Omotehinse condemned what he described as intimidation and a “divide-and-rule” narrative aimed at separating Owode traders from other affected communities. Rejecting claims that recent protests were staged by “rented crowds,” he said demonstrators were genuine victims of demolitions and forced evictions.
“Portraying civil society groups and affected communities as outsiders or agitators is dangerous and undermines public trust in law enforcement,” Omotehinse said.
CHSR demanded compensation for victims, restoration of demolished properties, independent investigations into alleged abuses, and the immediate removal of Mr Jimoh.
Activists detail police brutality
Civic activist Ibrahim Oluwatoba of Voice of the Masses also told journalists that police actions during a recent protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly were coordinated and deliberate. He claimed that despite formally notifying the police of their peaceful intentions, demonstrators were tear-gassed upon arrival.
“The protesters only demanded that the assembly gates be opened to allow dialogue with lawmakers, a request previously granted to other groups,” Mr Oluwatoba said.
He criticised the House of Assembly for inaction despite repeated petitions from civil society groups on behalf of communities such as Owode Onirin, Makoko, Otodo-Gbame, and Otumara.
Also, Funmilade Ajayi, another activist, spoke on the sidelines that women and children were disproportionately affected by demolitions, citing injuries, trauma, and deaths. She rejected police claims that protesters were “rented crowds,” insisting demonstrations were organic expressions of grievances.
Allegations Against CP Jimoh
Human rights activist Hassan Taiwo, known as Soweto, accused Mr Jimoh of personally ordering and participating in his assault, unlawful detention, and attempted forced medication following a protest.
Mr Soweto and fellow activist Dele Frank, alias Arole Fela, were arraigned at Yaba Magistrate Court on what supporters described as “frivolous charges.”
In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, Zikora Ibeh of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), said Mr Soweto was dragged into the Lagos State House of Assembly complex, beaten repeatedly—including with boots—and blindfolded. Officers reportedly attempted to force medical treatment without his consent and denied him access to his lawyer and family.
Mr Soweto was arraigned in his underwear and without footwear before the court granted him bail.
Ms Ibeh noted that Mr Soweto’s ordeal came after a 2025 court ruling awarding N10 million to victims of police brutality during EndSARS commemorations, which Mr Jimoh has yet to comply with.
Invitation
Five days after the violent attack by the Lagos State Police Command against the peaceful protesters, the Lagos State House of Assembly has invited leaders of Makoko and adjoining waterfront communities to a meeting on Tuesday to discuss petitions over demolition.
PREMIUM TIMES had reported that residents said the government demolished structures far beyond agreed safety setbacks from high-tension power lines, destroying homes, schools, and clinics, and leaving many homeless.
Residents said the demolitions violated agreements limiting clearance near high-tension power lines. Initially restricted to 30 metres, the government reportedly expanded the area to 50 metres, then 520 metres.
Protesters claimed that demolition had extended far beyond the agreed limits.
Community leader and member of Slum Dwellers International, Ojo Jide, said the demolitions lacked proper documentation, making compensation or resettlement impossible.
“There is no profiling, no data capturing, no house numbering. How do you compensate people or resettle them when there is no record of what you have destroyed?” Mr Jide said.
