Members of the Abuja Left coalition on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja, demanding an immediate end to what they described as the “sham trial” of activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto and community activists Femi Frank.

The protesters, gathered at the Commission’s office carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop the Persecution of Activists”, “Hands Off Soweto”, “No to demolition”, “Housing is human rights”, “Defend Democratic Rights”, and “Justice for Soweto and Frank”. They accused the authorities of using the judicial process to intimidate and silence voices critical of government policies.

Addressing the Protest Comrade Gerald Katchy and Comrade Adaramoye Lenin said the continued prosecution of Soweto and Frank represents a dangerous attack on democratic freedoms and the right to dissent.

They wonder while the CP will be promoted when he has so many cases to answer. Gerald asked if intimidating, attacking and Oppression are now yardstick for promotion.

According to the protesters, the charges against the two activists are politically motivated and intended to criminalize legitimate activism. They called on the Human Rights Commission to intervene urgently to ensure that the rights of the accused are protected and that the judicial process is not manipulated for political purposes.

The demonstrators also demanded an independent investigation into the alleged attack involving Jimoh Moshood, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State. The group called for transparency and accountability, insisting that any abuse of power by security agencies must be thoroughly probed.

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