The Lagos State Government has rejected claims that it is protecting suspects linked to the killing of six traders at Owode Onirin, stating that its decision not to prosecute was based solely on insufficient evidence.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), described allegations of a cover-up as false and misleading. He explained that the decision followed a detailed legal review of the case file submitted by the Lagos State Police Command.
According to Pedro, no prima facie case was established against the suspects, including Inspector Manu Bala and four other officers, based on available evidence. He noted that the Ministry of Justice acted in line with Section 74 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law after receiving the case file from the police.
He said a thorough examination of witness accounts, suspect statements, and other documents failed to directly link the officers to the deaths. Notably, there was no eyewitness testimony confirming that the policemen fired the shots, despite the incident occurring in a crowded market.
Pedro added that evidence suggested traders attacked the police team during a dispute over land, disarming one officer and using his rifle to open fire. The injured officer was later rescued and taken to hospital, while a civilian suspect initially arrested was found not to have been at the scene.
Given the seriousness of the case, the ministry initially withheld a final decision and requested further investigation. It asked the police to provide key evidence, including post-mortem reports, ballistic analysis, and firearm examination results.
However, after more than six months without a response and with suspects still in custody, the ministry issued its legal advice on March 3, 2026, concluding that there was no sufficient evidence to proceed with charges of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter.
Pedro stressed that the decision could be revisited if new evidence emerges, noting that criminal cases are not subject to time limits.
He also revealed that some forensic reports were only submitted after the legal advice had been issued and are currently under review for possible further action.
Defending the ministry’s stance, Pedro said declining to prosecute without evidence is a constitutional duty aimed at preventing wrongful prosecution. He emphasised that justice must balance the interests of victims, suspects, and society.
The August 2025 incident in Owode Onirin, which resulted in the deaths of six traders, continues to attract public attention, with scrutiny on both the police investigation and prosecutorial decisions.