The Lagos State Government has denied allegations that it is protecting suspects linked to the killing of six traders at Owode Onirin, stating that its decision not to prosecute was based solely on insufficient evidence.
In a detailed response issued on Friday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, faulted a publication titled “Is Lagos State Shielding Killers?”, which criticised the government’s handling of the August 27, 2025 incident involving Inspector Manu Bala and four other police officers.
Pedro described the report as “false, misleading and unsupported by facts,” insisting that no prima facie case was established against the suspects based on materials submitted 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, forwarded the case file to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice after preliminary investigations.
However, upon reviewing witness statements, suspect accounts and other documentary evidence, the ministry found no direct connection between the suspects and the deaths of the six 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,” the rejoinder stated.
Instead, Pedro said available evidence indicated that traders allegedly attacked the police team at a disputed land site, during which one Inspector Jibrin was dispossessed of his service rifle, reportedly used by a trader to fire shots.
“The police inspector was assaulted and had to be rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital,” he added, noting that the only civilian suspect arrested was confirmed by investigators not to have been present at the scene.
Given the seriousness of the matter, the Attorney-General said the ministry initially withheld a “no case to answer” advice and instead directed the police to conduct further investigations.
He disclosed that on October 30, 2025, the ministry requested key evidence, including post-mortem reports, ballistic analysis of recovered bullets and examination reports of the firearms issued to the officers involved.
According to him, the police failed to provide the requested materials within 45 days, prompting a follow-up reminder on December 17, 2025, while the suspects remained in custody and their bail applications were denied.
“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,” Pedro said.
He noted that the 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.
Pedro, however, emphasised that the case remains open, stating that prosecution could still proceed if new evidence emerges.
“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,” he said.
He further revealed that the police later submitted provisional post-mortem and ballistic reports after the legal advice had been issued, adding that the documents are currently under review for possible further action.
Defending the ministry’s position, Pedro maintained that declining to prosecute in the absence of sufficient evidence was a constitutional responsibility, 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,” he stated.
“Justice is not a one-way traffic, but three-way traffic. It must serve the victim, the suspect and society at large,” he added.
The Attorney-General also questioned what he described as misleading narratives, warning that prosecutions based on speculation or emotion could undermine the justice system.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting lives and ensuring that prosecutions are guided strictly by evidence and fairness.
