A Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos has discharged 13 residents of Oworonshoki who were standing trial over alleged offences linked to protests against the demolition of structures in their community.

The defendants were freed by the chief Magistrate, Ejiro Kubenje after the charges against them were dismissed.

The residents had been arraigned in connection with demonstrations that followed the controversial demolition exercise in parts of Oworonshoki.

The exercise had sparked anger among residents who alleged displacement, lack of adequate notice and compensation, as well as heavy-handed treatment by security operatives during earlier protests.

Counsel to the defendants, Bolaji Oluwatosin, who represented them on behalf of the Take It Back Movement, said the court’s decision vindicated the accused persons.

According to him, the ruling affirmed the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, noting that the discharged residents had merely exercised their rights while resisting the demolition of their homes.

His words: “Today, 13 courageous citizens of Oworonshoki, who protested the unlawful demolition of their homes, have been vindicated; the Court has dismissed all charges against them, and they are free. This is not just a personal victory; it is a triumph of the Nigerian people and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly under Section 40; it affirms the right of citizens to speak, protest, and defend their homes without fear of persecution.”

He added that the outcome was a victory not only for the defendants but also for the rule of law and citizens’ rights, stressing that the struggle for accountability and protection of rights would continue.