The Lagos State Government has firmly denied 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 solely on insufficient evidence in the police case file. In a detailed rejoinder, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), faulted a publication titled “Is Lagos State Shielding Killers?”, describing it as false, misleading, and unsupported by facts.
Background of the Incident
The controversy stems from the August 27, 2025 incident involving Inspector Manu Bala and four other police officers, which resulted in the deaths of six traders and sparked public outrage. Pedro maintained that no prima facie case was established against the suspects based on materials forwarded by the Lagos State Police Command. He explained that the police, in line with Section 74 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, transmitted the case file to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice after preliminary investigations.
Review of Evidence
Upon review of witness statements, suspect accounts, and other documentary evidence, the ministry found no direct link between the arrested suspects and the deaths. “There was no eyewitness account in the case file confirming that the policemen shot the deceased, despite the incident allegedly occurring in a busy market,” the Attorney-General stated. According to him, evidence before the ministry suggested that traders had attacked the police team during a dispute over land, dispossessing one Inspector Jibrin of his service rifle, which was allegedly used by a trader to open fire. He added that the officer was assaulted and later rushed to a nearby hospital, while the only civilian suspect arrested was confirmed by investigators not to have been at the scene.
Further Investigations Requested
Pedro disclosed that given the gravity of the case, the ministry initially withheld a “no case to answer” opinion and instead directed the police to conduct further investigations. On October 30, 2025, the ministry requested critical evidence, including post-mortem reports, ballistic analysis of recovered bullets, and examination reports of rifles assigned to the officers involved. Despite the directive, the police failed to supply the requested materials within 45 days, necessitating a reminder on December 17, 2025. During this period, the suspects remained in custody, with their bail applications denied.
Legal Advice Issued
“It was only after about six months of incarceration and no response from the police that the ministry issued its legal advice on March 3, 2026, concluding that no prima facie case had been disclosed,” Pedro said. The legal advice recommended the withdrawal of charges of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter under Sections 411 and 224 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State due to lack of evidence. However, the Attorney-General stressed that the decision was not final, noting that the case file remains open. “In the event that new evidence emerges linking any suspect to the crime, the ministry will not hesitate to prosecute, as there is no time bar for criminal prosecution.”
Police Submissions After Advice
Pedro further revealed that the police only submitted provisional post-mortem and ballistic reports after the legal advice had already been issued, adding that the documents are currently under review for possible further action. Defending the ministry’s stance, he emphasized that declining to prosecute in the absence of sufficient evidence is a constitutional duty, not an attempt to shield suspects. “The decision not to prosecute where evidence is insufficient is not an act of protection; it is an ethical and constitutional obligation to prevent wrongful prosecution.”
Criticism of Police Narratives
He also criticized what he described as “police narratives to the press,” alleging misrepresentation and suppression of key facts in the public discourse. Warning against trial by speculation, Pedro said prosecutions based on “assumptions, suspicion or emotion” would erode the integrity of the justice system. Reaffirming the government’s position, he said Lagos State remains committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting lives, and ensuring that prosecutions are guided strictly by credible and verifiable evidence.
