LAGOS DEFENDS DECISION NOT TO PROSECUTE OWODE ONIRIN KILLING SUSPECTS, CITES LACK OF EVIDENCE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Lagos State Government has dismissed allegations that it is shielding suspects linked to the killing of six traders at Owode Onirin, insisting that its decision not to prosecute was based strictly on insufficient evidence.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, described as “false, misleading and unsupported by facts” claims suggesting a cover-up in the handling of the August 27, 2025 incident involving police officers.
Pedro explained that no prima facie case was established against the suspects based on the case file submitted by the Lagos State Police Command.
According to him, the Ministry of Justice conducted a comprehensive review of witness statements, suspect accounts, and documentary evidence, but found no direct link between the accused officers and the deaths of the traders.
“There was no eyewitness account confirming that the policemen shot the deceased, despite the incident allegedly occurring in a busy market,” he stated.
He added that available evidence suggested the police team was attacked by traders at a disputed land site, during which an officer was assaulted and his service rifle seized and allegedly used by a civilian to open fire.
The Attorney-General disclosed that the ministry initially withheld a “no case” advice and instead directed further investigation, requesting key evidence including post-mortem reports, ballistic analysis, and examination of the officers’ rifles.
However, he said the police failed to provide the requested materials within the stipulated period, despite reminders, while suspects remained in custody for about six months.
“It was only after no response from the police that the ministry issued legal advice on March 3, 2026, concluding that no prima facie case had been disclosed,” Pedro said.
He noted that charges of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter were subsequently withdrawn due to lack of evidence, but stressed that the decision is not final.
“In the event that new evidence emerges, the ministry will not hesitate to prosecute, as there is no time limit for criminal prosecution,” he added.
Pedro further revealed that provisional post-mortem and ballistic reports were submitted after the legal advice had been issued and are currently under review for possible further action.
Defending the ministry’s stance, he emphasised that declining to prosecute without sufficient evidence is a constitutional responsibility aimed at preventing wrongful prosecution.
“Justice must serve the victim, the suspect, and society at large,” he said, warning against prosecutions driven by assumptions or public pressure.
The Owode Onirin incident, which left six traders dead, continues to attract public scrutiny, with questions surrounding the roles of both law enforcement and prosecuting authorities.
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