The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has released four police officers and a developer, Abiodun Ariori, who were accused of killing six traders in Owode Onirin, Kosofe area of the state.
The decision followed legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which concluded that the officers acted in self-defence. The advice, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Babajide Martins, stated that there was insufficient evidence to sustain charges of manslaughter.
The incident occurred during an attempt to enforce a disputed land ownership claim. The officers—Musa Bala, Ahmed Abass, Ibrahim Kasimu, and Ibrahim Garba—were reportedly brought from Nasarawa by Ariori, said to be acting as an agent for a Lagos-based family.
During the enforcement, violence broke out, resulting in the deaths of six traders: Adeoye Taiwo, Akinloye Seyi, Wale Adebayo, Abraham Idowu, Dare Salaudeen, and Adeoye Akeem.
Although the suspects were initially detained and later transferred to Abuja, they were freed after the DPP found no prima facie case against them. The legal advice cited a lack of critical forensic evidence, including autopsy reports, ballistic analysis, and weapon examination, to directly link the suspects to the deaths.
However, the police have disputed this conclusion. In a letter from the State Criminal Investigation Department signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Dayo Akinbisehin, authorities insisted that autopsy and ballistic findings implicate the suspects and urged the DPP to reconsider its position.
Reacting to the development, human rights lawyer Femi Falana said the case is far from over. He noted that his legal team would submit additional evidence to the DPP and pursue justice for the victims.
Falana also disclosed plans to file a civil suit seeking compensation for the families of the deceased, stressing that the matter must be fully addressed in the interest of justice.