Lagos State Government has dismissed claims that it is shielding suspects linked to the killing of six traders at Owode Onirin, insisting that its decision not to prosecute was strictly based on insufficient evidence provided in the police case file.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), described a recent publication questioning the state’s handling of the August 27, 2025 incident as misleading and not supported by available facts.
He explained that the Lagos State Police Command had forwarded the case file to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice in line with Section 74 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law after preliminary investigations were concluded.
However, after reviewing witness accounts, suspect statements, and other materials, the ministry concluded that there was no direct evidence linking the arrested officers to the deaths of the six traders.
According to Pedro, the file contained no eyewitness testimony confirming that the policemen shot the victims, despite the incident reportedly occurring in a crowded market environment.
He added that evidence instead suggested that the police team was attacked by traders during a land dispute, during which a service rifle was allegedly taken from an officer and used to open fire. One of the officers was also said to have been assaulted and hospitalised during the chaos.
Pedro further noted that the only civilian initially arrested was later cleared by investigators, as he was confirmed not to have been present at the scene.
Due to gaps in the evidence, the ministry directed further investigations and requested key forensic materials, including post-mortem results, ballistic reports, and examination findings on weapons used. However, he said the police failed to provide the requested documents within the stipulated time.
After months of delay and continued detention of the suspects, the ministry eventually issued a legal advice in March 2026 stating that no prima facie case had been established, leading to the withdrawal of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter charges due to lack of supporting evidence.
Pedro stressed that the decision was not final and that the case remains open, adding that prosecution could still follow if new evidence emerges.
He also disclosed 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, the Attorney-General said the refusal to prosecute without sufficient evidence was a legal and constitutional responsibility, not an attempt to shield any suspect.
He maintained that justice must balance the rights of victims, suspects, and society, warning against prosecutions based on speculation or emotion.
The August 2025 Owode Onirin incident, which resulted in the death of six traders, continues to draw public attention amid ongoing debate over the handling of the investigation by both the police and prosecuting authorities.
