In a statement released on Saturday by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC condemned Soweto’s forcible and violent abduction, assault, blindfold, restrain, denial of access to legal counsel and family by the police led by the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh.
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned the torture and inhumane treatment of human rights activist, Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, during a peaceful anti-demolition and forced eviction protest in Lagos on January 28.
In a statement released on Saturday by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC condemned Soweto’s forcible and violent abduction, assault, blindfold, restrain, denial of access to legal counsel and family by the police led by the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh.
RULAAC also condemned the fact that Soweto was subjected to degrading treatment while in police custody.
The human rights group also raised alarming concerns that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police personally participated in and directed the abuse.
“Photographs currently circulating in the public domain show injuries reportedly sustained by Mr. Soweto. When taken together with the detailed account provided by his representatives, these raise serious questions about excessive use of force, torture, and abuse of authority,” the statement read.
RULAAC warned that these actions constitute flagrant violations of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), including the rights to personal liberty, dignity, and fair hearing.
The group also cited the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which mandates professionalism and respect for human rights, as well as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which explicitly prohibits torture, coercion, and denial of legal counsel.
Nigeria’s obligations under international treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN Convention Against Torture, were also highlighted.
Peaceful protest, RULAAC emphasised, is not a crime.
“The use of force to suppress constitutionally guaranteed rights to expression and peaceful assembly represents a dangerous slide toward the criminalization of civic participation and shrinking of democratic space,” the group said.
The human rights group also expressed concern that Mr. Soweto’s whereabouts were earlier concealed from civil society actors seeking him, a practice inconsistent with lawful arrest and detention procedures.
RULAAC therefore urged the Police Service Commission (PSC) to immediately institute an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the allegations against the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and all officers involved.
The group called for a thorough examination of medical reports, photographs of injuries, custody records, and CCTV footage, where available.
The group further demanded accountability and appropriate disciplinary measures should the allegations be substantiated, as well as a reaffirmation of clear directives to all police commands prohibiting torture, denial of legal access, and suppression of peaceful protest.
“Public confidence in policing cannot be sustained through denial or intimidation. It is sustained only through truth, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law,” RULAAC said.
The group noted that Lagos has previously witnessed allegations of police brutality against peaceful demonstrators, underscoring the urgent need for institutional accountability and oversight.
RULAAC vowed to monitor developments closely and stand in solidarity with all citizens exercising their lawful rights to peaceful assembly and expression.