Adeyanju Demands Immediate Release Of Activists

Human Rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the arrest of activists in Lagos during protests against ongoing demolitions, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained, including Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto.

Adeyanju, who made the call in a statement in Abuja, described the arrests as an attack on the poor and a dangerous attempt to criminalize poverty and civic engagement.

“I strongly condemn the arrest of activists, including Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, during protests in Lagos.Targeting the poor and criminalizing poverty is unacceptable,” the activist said.

Adeyanju stressed that advocating for marginalized communities should not be treated as a criminal act, insisting that peaceful protest remains a fundamental democratic right.

“It is not a crime to fight for the downtrodden and oppressed, no one should be punished for standing up for justice and human dignity;

The Human Rights Lawyer, further warned that suppressing dissent through arrests and intimidation undermines democracy and erodes public trust in government institutions.

“Constructive criticism and activism is important to any democratic society. Those who raise their voices for fairness and accountability must be allowed to do so without fear of violence or detention,” he said.

He however called on the authorities concerned to immediately reverse what he described as wrongful actions, hence demanded the release of all detained protesters.

“I call for the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Soweto and all others who have been wrongfully detained,” he stressed;

He also urged government officials and security agencies to stop punishing citizens for exercising their rights and instead address the underlying issues that prompted the protests.

PR/ Garry Ochigbo