Expired Teargas Allegations Surface in Makoko Protest Violence
Prominent human rights advocate Femi Falana, SAN, has raised serious allegations against police operatives for deploying expired teargas canisters during recent protests in Lagos's Makoko waterfront community. The senior lawyer made these claims while visiting injured demonstrators at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, describing the police action as both unconstitutional and dangerously reckless.
Protest Against Demolitions Turns Violent
The demonstration, organized by activists Hassan "Soweto" Taiwo and Dele Frank, aimed to highlight alleged unlawful demolitions and forced evictions affecting waterfront residents. What began as a peaceful procession reportedly escalated when police officers fired teargas at close proximity to protesters, resulting in multiple injuries that have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations.
Falana expressed particular alarm at the severity of injuries observed, stating: "In my over 40 years of participating in protests across the country, I have never seen tear gas canisters cause such severe injuries. The injury I have seen is not normal." He emphasized that the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, noting that Nigerians do not require police permits to protest.
Government Defends Safety-Driven Demolitions
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has provided detailed justification for the demolition exercises in Makoko. During a joint ministerial briefing in Alausa, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso explained that many wooden structures along the waterfront were situated directly beneath high-tension power cables, creating imminent danger for occupants.
Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Development Dr. Babatunde Olajide revealed that the state government has committed $2 million to the Makoko water city project, with expectations of $8 million in counterpart funding from the United Nations. He assured that displaced residents would receive compensation, stating: "First thing is to save lives above other considerations."
Legislative Intervention and Civil Society Response
The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned community stakeholders and leaders for a crucial meeting scheduled for February 3, 2026. This follows a formal petition submitted by affected communities regarding the demolition exercises and subsequent protest handling.
Separately, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights has condemned the police response and called for independent investigations into multiple incidents, including the killing of six traders in Owode Onirin during August 2025. CHSR President Alex Omotehinse declared: "Peaceful protest is a constitutional right. Victims of demolition are citizens, not enemies, and civil society organisations are partners in democracy, not adversaries."
Medical Aftermath and Legal Concerns
During his LASUTH visit, Falana received medical updates on injured protester Mrs. Kafayat Muftaudeen from burns specialist nurse Adedeji Hassan. The patient sustained severe leg injuries requiring ongoing wound care and eventual skin grafting surgery. Hassan confirmed she was being discharged but would need weekly hospital visits for dressing changes.
Falana stressed that protest organizers had complied with legal requirements by notifying police, who initially provided security during the peaceful march from Ikeja Under Bridge to Alausa Secretariat before the situation deteriorated. He maintained that the Police Establishment Act only requires notification, not permission, for protests to proceed lawfully.
