The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has condemned the demolition of Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode Onirin, Otumara and other low-income communities in Lagos, describing the exercise as unjust and inhumane.
The group, in a statement, accused the Lagos State Government of forcibly displacing thousands of residents without providing alternative housing, compensation or sustainable means of livelihood.
In the statement signed by its National Chairperson, Comrade Rufus Olusesan, and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Chinedu Bosah, CDWR alleged that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, led armed police officers to violently repress peaceful protesters demonstrating against the demolitions.
The organisation claimed that protesters were attacked with live ammunition and teargas, resulting in injuries and the hospitalisation of some participants.
According to the group, two activists, Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Dele Frank, were unlawfully arrested and brutalised under the supervision of the commissioner of police during the protest. CDWR said the protesters conducted themselves peacefully and posed no threat to public safety.
CDWR further argued that the police action violated an existing court judgment, recalling that Justice M. Kakaki of the Federal High Court ruled in October 2024 that the harassment and arrest of Soweto and other protesters during the EndSARS memorial procession were unlawful, awarding N10 million in damages against the police.
The group also referenced a July 28, 2025 investigative report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which allegedly linked the commissioner of police to land-grabbing activities in Lagos. CDWR said the report showed a pattern of abuse of office and misuse of police resources to harass citizens.
Reacting to a statement by the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Information, Strategy and Security, Mr Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, CDWR dismissed claims that protesters rejected dialogue. The group accused the Lagos State House of Assembly of complicity in the demolitions and of consistently failing to intervene or ensure adequate compensation for victims.
Following the protest on January 28, 2026, CDWR said Soweto and Dele Frank were arraigned at the Yaba Magistrate Court on January 29 on what it described as “frivolous and trumped-up charges”, including allegations that they threatened members of the public. The group challenged the police to publicly present evidence to support the charges.
CDWR warned that continued attacks on poor and working-class communities reflected a shrinking democratic space and called on trade unions, community groups, youths and civil society to resist what it described as an authoritarian trend.
The organisation demanded an immediate halt to the Makoko demolition and adequate compensation for victims; withdrawal of all charges against Soweto and Dele Frank; medical treatment and compensation for injured protesters; and a public probe into police actions by an independent panel including representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
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