FALANA CALLS FOR POLICE PROSECUTION AFTER PENSIONERS TEAR-GASSED IN LAGOS

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called for the arrest and prosecution of police officers accused of using tear gas against elderly pensioners during a protest in Lagos.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday at Alausa, where pensioners gathered to demand the payment of outstanding pensions, gratuities and other entitlements from the Lagos State Government. The protest was disrupted after security personnel allegedly fired tear gas at the retirees.

Falana condemned the reported treatment of the pensioners, describing the use of force against elderly citizens exercising their rights as unacceptable. He consequently demanded that the police officers involved be identified, arrested and prosecuted for their alleged actions.

The protest was part of growing pressure from retired workers who have been demanding the settlement of outstanding financial obligations owed to them. The pensioners had earlier warned that they would stage a larger demonstration if their demands were not addressed by the state government.

The development has also drawn condemnation from the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, which criticised the alleged use of tear gas and force against the protesters. The organisation called for the immediate payment of the pensioners' outstanding entitlements.

Falana's demand has further intensified calls for accountability over the conduct of security personnel during peaceful demonstrations, particularly where elderly citizens are involved.

The pensioners' grievances centre on unpaid benefits and other retirement entitlements, with the protesters insisting that the government should resolve the issues rather than resorting to measures that could further escalate tensions.

The Lagos State Pension Commission, however, has highlighted the state's record of pension payments, saying the government has paid billions of naira to thousands of retirees since 2007, including accrued rights paid under the current administration.

The controversy over the protest is expected to keep attention focused on both the welfare of Lagos pensioners and the conduct of security agencies when dealing with demonstrations.