The demonstration was sparked by the recent detention of Lagos-based lawyer Olumide Sonupe, who reportedly suffered police assault during negotiations, leading to his hospitalization after two days in police custody at Gowon Estate Police Station, Lagos.

Expressing condemnation for this incident and other recent cases of harassment and assault by the Nigerian police, hundreds of lawyers gathered at the Nigerian Bar Association (Ikeja branch) bar center. From there, they marched peacefully to the headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command.

Falana, addressing journalists in Ikeja, highlighted that the five branches of the NBA in Lagos had met with the state police commissioner, Adegoke Fayoade.

According to Falana, Commissioner Fayoade assured the lawyers that a comprehensive investigation into the incident had already begun.

“Lagos lawyers gathered today to protest police brutality following the recent mistreatment of one of our colleagues,” Falana stated. “Through him, we’re making a case that Nigerian lawyers will no longer tolerate the brutalization of lawyers and other citizens.

The NBA demands a thorough investigation, and happily, the commissioner of police announced today that an investigation is already underway.”

Originally intending to submit their petition against police brutality to Commissioner Fayoade, the lawyers found the commissioner present at the bar center before their planned protest.

Falana intervened, facilitating a dialogue with the commissioner, who then addressed the gathering.

 Despite submitting the protest letter to him, the lawyers, led by Falana and the chairmen of all five NBA branches in Lagos, proceeded with the protest, voicing their discontent through solidarity chants against the conduct of the police.