Nigeria Police should stop embarrassing Nigerians among Comity of Democratic Nations – CACOBAG

…Demand for Immediate Release of Comrade Taiwo Hassan Soweto and all peaceful protesters

It’s shocking , disturbing and embarrassing that Police Force in Nigeria would deliberately refuse to comply with best police practice in the developed and Democratic countries in the world.

Peaceful protest is a right of all Nigerians and need no permission from anyone. Police are only to protect protesters and prevent the protest from being hijacked.

It’s unfortunate a government that could not provide shelter for the people is still embarking on illegal demolition of people’s homes without compensation and provision of alternative accommodation . What an absurdity !

Victims of illegal demolition ,being law abiding citizens decided to embark on peaceful protest in conjunction with Civil Society organisations including CACOBAG and CCHR which actively
participated in the protest Instead of taking law into their hands.

The police shall be held responsible for any casualty as a result of tear gas fired at protester without any form of provocation.

Arrest of Hassan Soweto, Co ordinator of Education Rights Campaign ERC, an organisation fighting for rights of all children to qualitative and free education at all levels for all children including children of the Police and also a prominent member of Democratic Socialist Movement DSM, a major organisation in the struggle for Police improved welfare.

Soweto and others committed no offence , hence their unlawful arrest and detention since Wednesday 28th January ,2026 is an infringement of their rights and an offence against humanity.

It’s worrisome ,Lagos State House of Assembly members, which are beneficiaries of protests that made democracy possible could call on police to disperse the protesters and did nothing when they were arrested other than debunking actions of the Police which confirms their pleasure with the way the protesters were molested by the police.

We demand immediate release of Hassan Soweto and all protesters unlawfully detained,otherwise we shall not hesitate to mobilize all lagosians for another round of protests all over the state.

Hassan Taiwo Soweto and others should be released NOW.

Signed.
Toyin Raheem
For: CACOBAG
08023496814

Signed
Idowu Taiwo
For: CCHR
08057877496