Rights Group Alleges Brutality As Activist Hassan Soweto Arraigned In Lagos
As tensions rise over the treatment of protesters in Lagos, fresh allegations of police brutality have emerged following the arrest and arraignment of activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto.
According to a statement signed by the Assistant Executive Director, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Zikora Ibeh, Soweto and fellow activist Dele Frank, also known as Arole Fela, were arraigned at the Yaba Magistrate Court on Thursday over their involvement in protests against the demolition of informal communities in Lagos State.
CAPPA alleged that Soweto was violently assaulted after being arrested during the protest.
The group claimed he was beaten, blindfolded and denied access to his lawyer and family, describing the treatment as vindictive and targeted.
It further alleged that Soweto was moved between police facilities and subjected to attempts at forced medical treatment without his consent.
The rights group said Soweto’s eyeglasses were broken during the assault, leaving him partially impaired, and that he was eventually arraigned without proper clothing or footwear.
The group also referenced a previous court judgment against the Lagos State Commissioner of Police over the brutalisation of EndSARS protesters, arguing that the latest incident reflects a pattern of abuse.
The Lagos State Police Command has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
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