In an update published by Premium Times, the Lagos State Police Command announced its intention to charge two leaders of a Wednesday protest in court, despite widespread reports that the demonstration was conducted peacefully. The protesters gathered to voice grievances over recent government demolitions in the Ikeja area, which they claim displaced hundreds of residents without fair compensation.
Although civil society observers described the assembly as orderly, police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, later alleging that the organizers violated public order laws. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and journalists who were reportedly caught in the crossfire.
The Punch reported heavy deployment and the use of tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Ikeja, while Channels TV showed video footage and quoted displaced residents saying they were only asking for their rights.
Echotitbits take: Urban renewal is central to Lagos governance, but opaque compensation and relocation processes are creating a social flashpoint. Expect legal challenges to the arrests, as civil rights lawyers test the state’s interpretation and application of the Public Order Act.
Source: Premium Times – https://punchng.com/outrage-over-police-crackdown-on-lagos-anti-demolition-protesters/ 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Premium Times
