A civil society group, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), has called for the immediate and unconditional release of protesters detained in Lagos following a demonstration at the state assembly in Alausa.

The protest, organised by the Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Land Grabbing, and Displacement, was reportedly met with gunfire and aggressive police action on Wednesday, leaving several residents injured and bloodstains visible on parts of the road.

The demonstration was organised by residents and victims of recent demolitions in communities, including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode Onirin, Ajegunle, and others.

The protesters had alleged that the demolition exercise carried out by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu displaced families, destroyed livelihoods, and resulted in the deaths of some property owners.

In a statement, CACOL’s director of administration and programmes, Tola Oresanwo, described the demonstration as a legitimate exercise of the constitutional right to freedom of assembly and expression under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.

CACOL specifically called for the immediate release of detained protesters, including an activist and youth leader, Hassan Soweto.

It asked the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to institute a transparent investigation into the officers involved in the attack.

“We at CACOL hereby demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained individuals, most notably the prominent activist and youth leader, Comrade Hassan Soweto.

“The response of the Nigerian Police Force, as evidenced in disturbing reports and footage, represents a gross overreach of authority and a blatant violation of democratic norms.

“It is profoundly overzealous and reprehensible for law enforcement officers, whose duty is to protect citizens, to turn their weapons and aggression against peaceful protesters organising to defend their right to shelter,” it said.

The group highlighted the broader implications of the police’s actions, warning that such brutality could criminalise civil dissent, erode public trust in law enforcement, escalate social tensions, and violate human dignity.

CACOL also demanded that the police publicly reaffirm their commitment to respecting the right to peaceful protest and issue clear guidelines across all commands against violent disruption of lawful assemblies.

The CSO suggested that the government should also set up an independent investigation into the officers involved in the attack to prosecute those found culpable of abuse of power and human rights violations.