The Lagos State Government has refuted allegations that it is protecting suspects linked to the killing of six traders at Owode Onirin, maintaining that its decision was based solely on insufficient evidence.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), dismissed claims suggesting the state was shielding those involved in the August 27, 2025 incident.
Pedro described a report questioning the government’s handling of the case as misleading, insisting that no prima facie case was established against the suspects based on the materials submitted by the police.
According to him, the Lagos State Police Command had forwarded the case file to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice after preliminary investigations, in line with relevant provisions of the law.
He said a review of witness accounts, suspect statements and other documents revealed no direct evidence linking the accused persons to the deaths of the traders.
The Attorney-General noted that there was no eyewitness testimony indicating that the police officers involved fired the shots that led to the fatalities, despite the incident occurring in a crowded market.
He added that available evidence suggested that traders attacked the police team during a dispute, allegedly seizing a service rifle from one of the officers, which was then used to open fire.
Pedro also disclosed that a civilian suspect initially arrested was later confirmed not to have been present at the scene.
He said the ministry did not immediately conclude the case but instead directed the police to conduct further investigations and provide additional evidence, including post-mortem and ballistic reports.
According to him, the police failed to submit the requested materials within the stipulated period, despite a reminder issued by the ministry.
The suspects, he said, remained in custody for about six months, with their bail requests denied, before the ministry issued its legal advice on March 3, 2026.
He explained that the advice recommended the withdrawal of charges bordering on conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter due to lack of evidence.
Pedro, however, clarified that the case remains open, adding that fresh evidence could lead to prosecution at any time.
He disclosed that some forensic reports were submitted after the legal advice had been issued and are currently under review for possible further action.
Defending the decision, the Attorney-General said declining to prosecute without sufficient evidence was a constitutional responsibility aimed at preventing wrongful trials.
He emphasised that justice must be fair to all parties, including victims, suspects and society.
Pedro also cautioned against basing prosecutions on speculation, warning that such actions could undermine the integrity of the justice system.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is pursued in a fair and evidence-driven manner.
The Owode Onirin incident, which resulted in the death of six traders, has continued to attract public attention, with scrutiny on both the police and prosecuting authorities over the handling of the case.
