Falana made this assertion during an interview on Arise Television, where he addressed allegations by the police that the protest posed a threat to public peace.
According to him, the protesters did not engage in any conduct that could be described as disorderly or violent.
He explained that the demonstrators converged at the premises of the State House of Assembly with the sole aim of formally presenting a letter to the governor.
Falana said the protesters maintained their position within the assembly complex and did not obstruct traffic or interfere with activities outside the area.
The senior lawyer noted that the situation escalated only after the protesters insisted that the governor personally come out to receive their letter.
He said this insistence appeared to irritate the police officers on duty, who were led by the Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh.
According to Falana, the police accused the protesters of chanting songs critical of the government, an allegation he described as insufficient justification for dispersing a peaceful gathering.
He questioned the rationale behind the police action, arguing that protest songs are a normal part of civic demonstrations.
“There was no disturbance on the streets. They did not breach public peace,” Falana said.
“They were within the House of Assembly complex, and while they were insisting that the governor should come out to collect a letter from them, the police became irritated and claimed they were singing anti-government songs.”
He further challenged the expectation of the authorities, asking whether protesters were supposed to sing religious hymns or praise the government during a demonstration meant to express grievances.
Falana stressed that peaceful protest is a constitutionally protected right and that expressing dissatisfaction with government policies should not be criminalized.
The January 28 protest was organized in response to ongoing demolitions, which residents say have left many people displaced and without adequate compensation.
The incident has since reignited debate over the treatment of protesters and the role of law enforcement in managing public demonstrations in Nigeria.
Falana urged security agencies to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free expression, warning that suppressing lawful protests undermines democracy and public trust in governance.
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