A fundamental rights suit filed by activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto against Assistant Inspector-General of Police Jimoh Olohundare Moshood was stalled at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday due to the absence of the presiding judge, Justice F.N. Ogazi.

The suit arose from a protest held on January 28, 2026, at the Lagos State House of Assembly by residents of Makoko and other waterfront communities facing displacement over demolitions and alleged land grabbing.

Soweto, who coordinated the protest, accused Moshood of ordering police officers to beat him, allegedly leaving him with a lower back injury.

He is seeking N70 million in damages against Moshood, the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission (PSC).

He is also asking the court to compel the police to restrain Moshood in line with modern policing standards.

At the previous sitting, Soweto’s counsel, Lilian Ogbebor, told the court that two attempts to serve Moshood with the originating court processes had failed.

The judge subsequently ordered substituted service through the police legal department and adjourned the case until October 28, 2026, for a report on service.

However, proceedings could not continue on Wednesday because the judge was absent. Following consultations with the parties, the court registrar fixed November 25, 2026, for the next hearing.

Speaking to journalists after the adjournment, Ogbebor said the legal team remained committed to securing justice and ensuring that Nigerians understood that the courts could protect their constitutionally guaranteed rights.

She said the case was also intended to demonstrate that citizens could seek judicial redress whenever they believed their rights had been violated.

The co-founder of the Justice and Empowerment Initiative, Megan Chapman, called for solidarity with activists who face threats and attacks while defending their rights or advocating for those of others.

Chapman urged people to stand with fellow activists who come under attack for speaking out against injustice or protecting the rights of others.