The Lagos State Government has dismissed 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 strictly on lack of evidence.

In a rejoinder issued on Friday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), described as “false, misleading and unsupported by facts” a publication titled “Is Lagos State Shielding Killers?” which questioned the state’s handling of the August 27, 2025 incident involving Inspector Manu Bala and four other police officers.

Pedro maintained that no prima facie case was established against the suspects based on materials forwarded by the Lagos State Police Command.

He said, “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 conducting initial investigations.”

He explained that a thorough review of witness statements, suspect statements and other documentary evidence revealed no direct link between the suspects and the deaths of the traders.

“For instance, 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,” Pedro stated.

He added that available evidence suggested that traders attacked the police team upon arrival at a disputed land, dispossessing one Inspector Jibrin of his service rifle, which was allegedly used by a trader to open fire.

“The police inspector was assaulted and had to be rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital,” he said, noting that the only civilian suspect arrested was later confirmed not to have been at the scene.

Pedro disclosed that, given the gravity of the case, the ministry initially refrained from issuing a “no case” advice and instead directed the police to conduct further investigations.

He said, “On October 30, 2025, the ministry requested critical evidence, including post-mortem reports, ballistic analysis of bullets recovered, and examination reports of rifles assigned to the officers involved.”

However, he noted that the police failed to provide the requested materials within 45 days, prompting a reminder on December 17, 2025, while the suspects remained in custody with their bail applications rejected.

“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 against the suspects,” he said.

The Attorney-General explained that 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 insufficient evidence.

He stressed, however, that the decision is not final.

“In the event that any 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,” Pedro said.

He 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 position, Pedro emphasised that declining to prosecute without sufficient evidence is a constitutional duty.

“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,” he said.

He added, “Justice is not a one-way traffic; but three way traffic. It must serve the victim, the suspect and society at large.”

Pedro also questioned what he described as “police narratives to the press,” alleging misrepresentation and suppression of material facts, and warned against prosecutions driven by “assumptions, suspicion or emotion.”

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the rule of law, stating that Lagos would continue to ensure fair, impartial and evidence-based prosecution.

The August 2025 Owode Onirin incident, which left six traders dead, has continued to generate controversy, with public scrutiny focused on the roles of both the police and prosecuting authorities. (The Punch News)

Update news