Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has alleged that the police used expired tear gas canisters on protesters during the Makoko demolitions in Lagos State.
Falana made the allegation on Monday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), during a visit to protesters injured in the incident.
He said that in his 40 years of participating in protests across the country, he had never seen tear gas canisters cause such severe injuries.
The altercation occurred last week when residents took to the streets to protest illegal demolitions and forced evictions in the Makoko waterfront area of Lagos.
The senior lawyer described the police action as unconstitutional, dangerous, and a violation of citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
“In my over 40 years of participating in protests across the country, I have never seen tear gas canisters cause such severe injuries. The injury I have seen is not normal,” Falana said.
According to him, the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, adding that Nigerians do not require police permits to protest.
Falana further stated that the Police Establishment Act only requires protest organizers to notify the police, who are then duty-bound to provide security.
Makoko demolitions: Police used expired tear gas on protesters – Falana
