The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of protesters arrested during a demonstration against alleged demolitions and forced evictions in Lagos State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CACOL condemned the arrest of members of the Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Land Grabbing, and Displacement, who had gathered near the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa to protest planned demolitions affecting their homes and livelihoods.
The organisation said the protesters were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, as provided under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). CACOL alleged that security operatives dispersed the protest and detained several participants, including activist and youth leader, Comrade Hassan Soweto.
CACOL described the police response as excessive and inconsistent with democratic norms, urging authorities to respect citizens’ rights to lawful protest. It warned that the suppression of peaceful demonstrations could undermine public trust in law enforcement and escalate social tensions.
The group called on the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, to order the release of all detained protesters and to investigate the conduct of officers involved in the incident.
CACOL also urged the Lagos State Government to engage affected communities through dialogue and lawful processes in addressing issues related to urban development and housing, stressing that grievances over shelter and displacement should be resolved without the use of force.
