CDHR condemns arrest of Taiwo Soweto, calls for release of detained protesters

Stanley Ihedigbo

Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) condemns the arrest of Hassan Taiwo Soweto (The leader of the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM) and the convener of #EndBadGovernance Movement Logos) and other protesters by security agencies during a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

According to the statement signed by the National President, CDHR, Comrade Debo Adeniran and National Publicity Secretary, CDHR, Comrade Deacon Jeremiah Onyibe, the protest was organised to register their displeasure on the unjust demolition and forced eviction of poor and working-class communities in some parts of Lagos State.

The protest was peaceful and legitimate. Participants were mainly victims of the demolitions and concerned residents exercising their constitutional rights to protest and freedom of expression, and assembly.

They strongly condemned the excessive and disproportionate use of force by the police, including the deployment of teargas and live ammunition against unarmed poor protesters.

The shooting of a protester and the chaos that followed, leading to serious human rights violations, including the reported separation of a woman from her baby, clearly mark the dangers of the state’s resort to maximum force against unarmed, peaceful protesting civilians whom they swore an oath to protect.

The use of live bullets against peaceful protesters is unlawful, reckless, and unacceptable in a democratic society like Nigeria. It reflects a growing pattern of repression and criminalisation of peaceful protest by state authorities.

We therefore demand: The immediate and unconditional release of Hassan Taiwo Soweto and all other arrested protesters, an end to the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters, and a thorough, independent investigation into the conduct of the security agencies involved, with those responsible held accountable for their actions. An immediate halt to forced evictions and demolitions without adequate consultation, resettlement, and compensation.

They reiterated that the protection of human rights is non-negotiable. Peaceful protest is not a crime, and the state must respect and uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens.