15 civil society groups seek probe of Lagos CP Jimoh Moshood over alleged torture of activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto
By Ishaya Ibrahim
A coalition of civil society groups, including the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Corporate Accountability & Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Justice & Empowerment Initiatives (JEI), and others, has formally written to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd.), demanding a thorough and independent probe into serious misconduct attributed to CP Jimoh Moshood, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
The petition, dated March 9, 2026, centers on events during a large peaceful demonstration led by activist Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto and other community leaders from areas like Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, and Ajegunle. Protesters demanded an end to alleged illegal demolitions, forced evictions, and land grabbing in low-income Lagos communities, actions they claim have displaced thousands without adequate compensation or relocation.
The protest was described by the media as orderly and non-violent, with thousands participating near the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa. Despite this, the petition alleges that CP Moshood ordered the use of tear gas against the crowd, resulting in injuries to at least two protesters and a passer-by. One protester, Mrs. Kafayat Muftahudeen, reportedly required seven days of hospitalization at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) after being hit by a tear-gas canister.
More gravely, the groups accuse CP Moshood of personally ordering Soweto’s arrest at the venue, after which the activist was allegedly dragged into the Assembly complex, blindfolded, handcuffed, and severely beaten by multiple officers, including the CP himself. Soweto sustained serious injuries, particularly to his lower spine, aggravating a prior lumbar condition.
A medical report from Dr. Oluwadara A. Badejo at Cityview Hospital, Ogba, documented blunt-force trauma including abrasions, bruising, hematomas, and ecchymoses. Subsequent MRI scans confirmed lumbar paraspinal muscle spasm linked to recent trauma. Soweto has since required ongoing weekly physiotherapy at GTAK Health Clinic in Shogunle, involving cryotherapy, TENS therapy, and exercises, with his physiotherapist, Mr. Chukwuemeka Emeka, willing to testify.
While detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Soweto was reportedly denied access to his lawyer and family, with officers citing direct orders from the CP, actions the petition describes as violations of constitutional rights.
The groups link the incident to Soweto’s public challenge to the CP over alleged police facilitation of forced evictions for land developers. They also highlight broader concerns about police roles in violent demolitions across Lagos communities, including reports of deaths and injuries in Makoko, Oworonshoki, and Owode Onirin.
Noting that CP Moshood is reportedly under consideration for promotion to Assistant Inspector-General of Police, the petitioners argue that advancing him without investigation would erode public trust in police accountability.
The petition calls on the PSC to:
1. Launch an independent probe into the alleged assault, torture, unlawful detention of Soweto, and overall brutality, including tear gas/firearms use on January 28, 2026, and related eviction operations.
2. Summon CP Moshood and involved officers to respond.
3. Impose disciplinary measures if violations are confirmed.
4. Halt any promotion consideration for CP Moshood pending the inquiry’s outcome.
