The trial of rights activists, Hassan Taiwo alias Soweto and Dele Frank was stalled on Monday, due to absence of the Chief Magistrate Alaka at the Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
However, a new date has been fixed for January 20, 2027 for further hearing.
The defendants are standing trial on a five-count charge, including alleged unlawful assembly and singing abusive songs against the police and Lagos State Government.
As early as 9:00a.m on Monday, the court registrar announced to the court audience that the court was not going to sit because the Magistrate was said to be on special assignment.
Police arrested the defendants in connection with an anti-demolition protest by residents of Makoko, Otumara, Owode-Onirin, and other waterfront communities who had converged to express their grievances over demolitions.
