LAGOS FREES FOUR POLICEMEN, DEVELOPER ACCUSED OF KILLING SIX TRADERS
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has released four police officers and a developer, Abiodun Ariori, who were accused of the killing of six traders in the Owode Onirin area of Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos State.
The Media gathered that the suspects were freed following a legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which concluded that the officers acted in self-defence during the incident.
The legal opinion, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Babajide Martins, and obtained by The Media, also faulted investigators for failing to provide sufficient evidence to support manslaughter charges.
The police officers involved were identified as Musa Bala, Ahmed Abass, Ibrahim Kasimu, and Ibrahim Garba.
The incident reportedly occurred when the officers, brought in from Nasarawa by Ariori to enforce an alleged court order over a disputed land, encountered resistance from traders occupying the area.
Ariori was said to be acting on behalf of a Lagos family claiming ownership of the land. The confrontation escalated into violence, resulting in the death of six traders.
The deceased were identified as Adeoye Taiwo, Akinloye Seyi, Wale Adebayo, Abraham Idowu, Dare Salaudeen, and Adeoye Akeem.
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Following the incident, the officers and Ariori were arrested and detained at the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department before the case was later transferred to Abuja. They were subsequently granted bail.
Although charges were initially filed after public outcry, the DPP later ruled that there was no prima facie case against the suspects.
Martins stated that the officers acted in self-defence, noting that they were attacked by a mob during the operation, with one officer injured and another allegedly disarmed.
He also said Ariori was not present at the scene when the killings occurred.
The DPP further explained that investigators failed to provide key forensic evidence, including autopsy results, ballistic analysis, and weapons examination reports, which would have linked the suspects to the deaths.
He concluded that there was no sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspects and formally withdrew the charges against them.
However, the Lagos State Police Command disagreed with the decision, insisting that there was enough evidence to prosecute.
In a letter from the State Criminal Investigation Department, the police cited autopsy and ballistic reports allegedly linking the suspects to the killings, arguing that all the accused persons were culpable.
The police urged the DPP to reconsider its legal advice and allow the matter to proceed to trial.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who represents the families of the victims, also rejected the decision, insisting that the case was not closed.
He said his team would provide additional evidence to the DPP and pursue both criminal and civil actions to seek justice and compensation for the deceased traders’ families.
The DPP declined further comment on the matter when contacted.
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