Lagos Frees Policemen, Developer Over Killing of Six Traders

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has freed four police officers and a property developer, Abiodun Ariori, who were accused of involvement in the deaths of six traders in Owode Onirin, in the Kosofe area of Lagos.

Their release followed legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support charges of manslaughter and that the officers had acted in self-defence.

The advice, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Babajide Martins, stated that investigators failed to provide critical evidence linking the suspects directly to the deaths. According to the document, key forensic materials — including autopsy reports, ballistic analysis and weapon examination results — were not made available at the time of review.

The incident, which sparked outrage earlier this year, occurred during an operation to enforce a disputed court order over land occupied by traders. The police officers, identified as Musa Bala, Ahmed Abass, Ibrahim Kasimu and Ibrahim Garba, had reportedly been brought in from Nasarawa State by Ariori, said to be acting on behalf of a Lagos-based family claiming ownership of the land.

Tensions escalated during the enforcement exercise, leading to chaos in which six traders — Adeoye Taiwo, Akinloye Seyi, Wale Adebayo, Abraham Idowu, Dare Salaudeen and Adeoye Akeem — were shot dead.

Following the incident, the officers and Ariori were arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lagos, before the case was later transferred to Abuja.

In its findings, the DPP stated that the officers were attacked by a mob during the operation, with one reportedly injured and disarmed. It also noted that Ariori was not present at the scene at the time of the shooting.

On this basis, the DPP concluded that there was no prima facie case to justify prosecution and ordered that all charges be withdrawn.

However, the Nigeria Police Force has challenged this conclusion, insisting that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspects.

In a letter dated 5 March 2026, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Dayo Akinbisehin, said autopsy findings from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and ballistic reports from the Force Criminal Investigation Department directly linked the suspects to the deaths.

He urged the DPP to review its position, arguing that the evidence established a strong case capable of standing trial.

“It is clear from the investigation that the suspects are culpable and should be allowed to face trial,” the letter stated, emphasising the need to uphold justice and public confidence in the legal system.

Reacting to the development, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who represents the families of the deceased traders, said the case was far from over.

He disclosed that his legal team would submit additional evidence to the DPP and pursue the matter to its conclusion, including filing a civil suit to seek compensation for the victims’ families.

“The case of the unlawful killing of six unarmed traders will not be abandoned,” Falana said. “We will ensure that justice is served and that the families receive appropriate redress.”

The development has renewed public concern over accountability and the use of force during law enforcement operations, as well as the broader quest for justice for victims and their families.