An Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of four police officers standing trial for the alleged killing of traders at the Owode Onirin International Spare Parts Market in 2025.
The presiding magistrate, Ejiro Kubeinje, on Monday directed that the accused officers Manu Bala, 41; Jibrin Samaila, 47; Ibrahim Garuba, 29; and Ibrahim Kashimu, 26 be held at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre while awaiting legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
The defendants are facing a seven-count charge relating to conspiracy and murder.
While presenting the case, the police prosecutor, O.W. Ologun, informed the court that the officers allegedly worked together to commit the offence on August 27, 2025, at about 9 a.m. within the market premises.
He told the court that the suspects were brought before it to obtain an order for their remand while the case file is forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice to determine if there is sufficient evidence to prosecute them.
Counsel for the defendants, Azuri Ejiofor, however urged the court to refuse the remand application, noting that the officers had already spent more than five months in custody.
Despite the submission, the magistrate granted the prosecution’s request and ordered that the accused remain in custody.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until April 15, 2026, for further mention.
Reacting to the court’s decision, the lawyer representing the affected traders and the families of the deceased, Femi Falana (SAN), described the development as a welcome step towards ensuring justice.
Falana said the arraignment of the officers showed that authorities were prepared to pursue accountability for the traders who were allegedly killed.
He added that while the parties await the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, there is optimism that justice will eventually be served for the victims.
