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By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Caleb Dosugan and CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh |
LAGOS — Tensions in the historic Makoko waterfront community in Lagos State, have reached a breaking point following the detention of prominent activists Caleb Dosugan and Simeon Iroko. The duo, who have been at the forefront of resisting mass demolitions in the area, are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID), Panti.
The announcement was made on Thursday, February 26, 2026, by Ayo Ademiluyi, Esq., Lead Partner at Newworth Public Interest Law Bureau. The legal firm has issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian Police Force for their unconditional release.
From Reporting a Crime to Being Detained
The circumstances surrounding the arrest have sparked allegations of "policing for the highest bidder." According to the statement from Newworth Law Bureau, the activists had attempted to report a violent stabbing incident at the Adekunle Police Station.
A local resident was allegedly attacked by agents working in tandem with "compromised" traditional rulers (Baales) who are reportedly supporting fresh demolitions in the community. However, in a shocking turn of events, the activists who went to the station as complainants—were treated as suspects. The case was abruptly transferred to State CID Panti, where Dosugan and Iroko were subsequently detained.
"The attempt of Caleb and his comrades to report the stabbing... turned 'complainant' into 'suspect' as the matter was moved by the fatcat Baales to State CID Panti," the statement read.
A Broken Promise? The Sanwo-Olu Connection
This detention comes just weeks after a high-profile meeting between Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Caleb Dosugan, the Coordinator of the 'Freedom in Makoko' movement. In late January 2026, the Governor reportedly appealed for an out-of-court settlement regarding the numerous lawsuits filed by the community against the Lagos State Government.
Despite the Governor's public overtures for peace and a "stellar judgment" delivered by Honourable Justice Ogazi in favor of the residents, activists claim there has been zero follow-up communication. Instead, the community alleges that the government has resumed demolitions under the radar, targeting the dwellings of the urban poor.
The Looming Legal Battle
The Newworth Public Interest Law Bureau has condemned the actions of the State CID, accusing the police of waging a "war of calumny" against the citizens they are sworn to protect.
The bureau’s demands are clear: Immediate Release: Caleb Dosugan and Simeon Iroko must be freed within 24 hours. Legal Action: Failure to comply will result in a comprehensive legal suit against the Lagos State Government, State CID Panti, and the Nigerian Police Force.
As of Thursday morning, global outcries against the "brutally repressed" protests in Makoko continue to mount, with residents and international observers calling for an end to the displacement of one of Africa’s most iconic floating settlements.