Falana and Falz Lead Protest Over Abductions and Hardship

Prominent lawyer Mr Femi Falana (SAN), his son and afrobeats singer Mr Folarin Falana—better known as Falz—along with civil society organisations, youth groups and other participants staged a protest in Lagos on Friday.

They called for urgent action to tackle the worsening insecurity and economic hardship facing the country.

The demonstration took place as Nigeria observed Democracy Day, commemorating the June 12, 1993 presidential election that many believe was won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.

Although regarded as the freest and fairest election in the nation’s history, the result was annulled by the military government at the time.

Chanting slogans, the protesters gathered at the Ikeja Under Bridge, holding placards that read “No Democracy Without Security,” “End Bad Governance,” and “End Insecurity and Kidnapping.”

Other messages included “End Hunger,” “Free All Captives Now,” and “End all anti‑people policies now.”

The rally aimed to highlight rising insecurity, economic hardship and policies affecting ordinary Nigerians.

During the protest, Falana urged the immediate release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, expressing concern for their welfare while in captivity.

He said the protest was not only about rescuing abducted victims but also about drawing attention to broader issues of injustice, insecurity and poverty confronting Nigerians.

“We are protesting the kidnapping of our children in Oyo State. We are also protesting injustice in our country, a situation whereby innocent school children in Oyo and Borno states have been in the custody of criminals for several weeks now,” he said.

“We are also protesting injustice meted out to young people who are regularly arrested on the highways by the police. We are protesting hunger and poverty in the land, and we are calling on the government to address these challenges,” he added.