The Lagos State Government has pushed back against accusations 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 detailed rejoinder issued on Friday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), dismissed a publication questioning the state’s handling of the August 27, 2025 incident involving Inspector Manu Bala and four other police officers, describing the claims as misleading and unsupported by facts.
Pedro explained that the case was referred to the Ministry of Justice by the Lagos State Police Command for legal advice after initial investigations, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State.
He said a full review of witness statements, suspect accounts, and other materials submitted failed to establish a prima facie case against the officers involved in the incident.
According to him, there was no direct eyewitness evidence confirming that the officers shot the deceased traders, despite the incident occurring in a crowded market environment.
He further stated that available findings suggested the confrontation began when traders allegedly attacked the police team over a disputed land matter, during which a police officer was disarmed.
Pedro claimed that Inspector Jibrin’s service rifle was taken during the chaos and allegedly used by a trader to open fire, while the officer himself was assaulted and later hospitalised.
He also noted that the only civilian suspect arrested in connection with the case was later cleared after investigations confirmed he was not present at the scene.
The Attorney-General said the ministry initially held back on issuing a “no case” opinion and instead requested additional forensic and medical evidence, including post-mortem results and ballistic analysis of recovered bullets.
However, he added that despite repeated requests, the police failed to submit the required documents within the stipulated timeframe, even as suspects remained in custody and bail applications were denied.
Pedro disclosed that after about six months of detention without the requested evidence, the ministry issued its legal advice on March 3, 2026, concluding that no prima facie case had been established.
He said the advice led to the withdrawal of charges of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter under the relevant sections of Lagos criminal law due to lack of sufficient evidence.
The Attorney-General, however, stressed that the decision is not final and could be revisited if new evidence emerges linking any suspect to the deaths.
He added that some police reports, including provisional post-mortem and ballistic findings, were only submitted after the legal advice had already been issued and are now being reviewed.
Defending the state’s position, Pedro maintained that declining to prosecute without sufficient evidence is a constitutional obligation aimed at preventing wrongful convictions.
He also criticised what he described as selective narratives being circulated publicly, warning against prosecution based on speculation or emotion rather than verified facts.
The Owode Onirin incident, which claimed the lives of six traders in August 2025, continues to generate public debate, with questions still surrounding the actions of both law enforcement officers and prosecuting authorities.
