Editorial:RULAAC raises alarm over alleged torture of peaceful protester, seeks probe of Lagos Police Commissioner

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed deep concern over allegations of torture, inhuman treatment, and abuse of authority leveled against officers of the Lagos State Police Command following a peaceful anti-demolition protest held on January 28, 2026.

In a statement issued on January 31, RULAAC drew attention to claims made by Mr. Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, who alleged that he was forcibly arrested, assaulted, blindfolded, restrained, and denied access to legal counsel and family members while in police custody.

According to the account, which was authorised by Mr. Taiwo and relayed through his representatives, he was subjected to degrading treatment that contravenes both national and international human rights standards.

Of particular concern to the advocacy group are allegations that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, personally participated in or directed the actions complained of.

RULAAC noted that photographs circulating publicly, purportedly showing injuries sustained by Mr. Taiwo, further heighten concerns about excessive use of force, torture, and abuse of office.

RULAAC stated that, if proven, the alleged conduct would amount to grave violations of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), especially the rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty, and fair hearing.

The group also cited breaches of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which requires professionalism and respect for human rights, as well as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which expressly prohibits torture, coercion, and denial of access to legal representation.

Beyond domestic law, the organisation emphasised Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

RULAAC underscored that peaceful protest remains a constitutionally protected right and warned that the use of force to suppress lawful civic expression signals a dangerous erosion of democratic space. The group further expressed concern over allegations that Mr. Taiwo’s lawyers were denied access to him and that his whereabouts were allegedly concealed from civil society actors, actions inconsistent with lawful arrest and detention procedures.

Given the gravity of the allegations and the seniority of the officer implicated, RULAAC called on the Police Service Commission (PSC) to immediately institute an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the matter. The organisation urged the Commission to examine medical reports,
photographic evidence, custody records, and available CCTV footage, and to ensure appropriate disciplinary measures where wrongdoing is established.

RULAAC also called on the PSC to issue clear directives to all police commands reaffirming the absolute prohibition of torture, denial of legal access, and repression of peaceful protest.

The organisation recalled that allegations of police brutality linked to peaceful protests in Lagos are not unprecedented, stressing the urgent need for stronger institutional accountability and oversight.

According to RULAAC, public confidence in law enforcement cannot be built through denial or intimidation but only through transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments and standing in solidarity with citizens exercising their lawful rights to peaceful assembly and expression.