Quick Summary:
Lagos State Government refutes claims of protecting suspects in the killing of six traders, saying its decision not to prosecute was based on insufficient evidence and pending police reports.

The Lagos State Government has denied 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 solely on insufficient evidence.

In a detailed statement 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,” maintaining that no prima facie case was established against the suspects based on materials submitted by the Lagos State Police Command.

Ministry Found No Direct Link To Deaths

According to Pedro, 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.

Upon reviewing witness statements, suspect accounts, and documentary evidence, the ministry found no direct connection between the suspects and the deaths of the six traders.

Pedro explained that available evidence suggested that traders attacked the police team at a disputed land site, during which Inspector Jibrin was dispossessed of his service rifle, allegedly used by a trader to fire shots.

Police Failed To Provide Key Evidence

Given the seriousness of the case, the ministry initially withheld a “no case to answer” advice and directed the police to conduct further investigations.

Pedro disclosed that on October 30, 2025, the ministry requested post-mortem reports, ballistic analyses, and firearm examination reports for the officers involved.

However, the police failed to provide the requested materials within the stipulated 45 days, prompting a reminder on December 17, 2025, while the suspects remained in custody and their bail applications were denied.

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.

Case Remains Open Pending New Evidence

Pedro emphasised that the case remains open, and prosecution could still proceed if new evidence emerges.

He revealed that the police later submitted provisional post-mortem and ballistic reports after the legal advice had been issued, which are currently under review for possible further action.

“Decision Based On Law, Not Protection”

Defending the ministry’s position, Pedro said that declining to prosecute in the absence of sufficient evidence was a constitutional duty, not an attempt to shield suspects.

He added that justice must serve all parties involved.

Pedro also cautioned against misleading narratives, warning that prosecutions based on speculation or emotion could undermine the justice system.

He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting lives, and ensuring that prosecutions are guided strictly by evidence and fairness.