MAKOKO DEMOLITIONS: FALANA CLAIMS POLICE USED EXPIRED TEAR GAS ON PROTESTERS
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has alleged that police deployed expired tear gas canisters against protesters during the Makoko demolitions in Lagos State.
Falana made the claim on Monday during a visit to injured protesters at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
He added that in his 40 years of participating in protests nationwide, he had never witnessed tear gas canisters inflict such severe injuries.
The clash occurred last week when residents took to the streets to protest illegal demolitions and forced evictions along the Makoko waterfront in Lagos.
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The senior lawyer condemned the police action as unconstitutional, dangerous, and a breach of citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
“In my more than 40 years of participating in protests across the country, I have never seen tear gas canisters cause injuries this severe. What I witnessed is not normal,” Falana said.
He noted that the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, emphasizing that Nigerians do not need police permits to protest.
Falana also highlighted that under the Police Establishment Act, protest organizers are only required to notify the police, who are then obligated to provide security.
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