At least 15 civil society and human rights organisations have submitted a petition to the Police Service Commission, PSC, demanding an immediate investigation into the actions of the Lagos State Police Command Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood.
The petition centres on allegations surrounding the abduction, assault and torture of activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto during a protest against forced evictions in Lagos.
In a letter dated March 9 and addressed to the PSC Chairman, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, the groups accused the police commissioner of abuse of authority, unlawful arrest and acts of torture linked to the demonstration held on January 28, 2026.
Among the organisations that endorsed the petition are the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, Justice and Empowerment Initiatives, JEI, Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria, MOTiON, Take It Back Movement, TIB, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, CHSR, and Activista Nigeria, among others.
The demonstration, which reportedly attracted more than 5,000 participants from communities including Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki and Ajegunle, was organised to protest alleged illegal demolitions and forced evictions affecting residents in the state.
According to the petitioners, the protest proceeded peacefully until police officers allegedly dispersed the crowd with tear gas close to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa, resulting in injuries to several protesters and a passer-by.
One of the demonstrators, Kafayat Muftahudeen, was reportedly struck by a tear-gas canister and later admitted for treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where she remained for about a week.
The organisations further alleged that Soweto, who led the protest, was arrested on the directive of the police commissioner, blindfolded, handcuffed and physically assaulted by officers.
They cited a medical report issued by Oluwadara A. Badejo of Cityview Hospital in Ogba, which reportedly confirmed that the activist sustained multiple injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma.
The groups also claimed that while he was held at the State Criminal Investigation Department Panti, Soweto was denied access to his lawyer and family members.
The petitioners urged the PSC to establish an independent panel to investigate the alleged assault, torture and unlawful detention of the activist and other protesters.
They also warned that considering the Lagos police commissioner for promotion while the allegations remain unresolved could weaken public trust in the police disciplinary process.
The organisations further demanded justice and compensation for those injured during the protest crackdown and called on the commission to impose appropriate sanctions if the allegations are confirmed.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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