National News – Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), has dismissed allegations that the state is shielding police officers linked to the August 27, 2025 Owode Onirin killings that left six traders dead.
The clarification came on April 24, 2026, in Lagos, following public criticism and media reports accusing the government of obstructing justice.
According to the Attorney-General, the decision not to prosecute Inspector Manu Bala and four other officers was based on a detailed review of police case files and witness statements forwarded by the Lagos State Police Command.
He explained that no prima facie case was established, as there was no direct eyewitness evidence linking the officers to the fatal shootings in the busy market incident.
The state government maintained that its actions were guided strictly by constitutional duty, due process, and available evidence.
Pedro explained that under Section 74 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, the police initially submitted the case file for legal advice.
A review of witness accounts, suspect statements, and documentary evidence revealed inconsistencies and absence of forensic confirmation linking the officers to the deaths.
The ministry also requested post-mortem reports, ballistic analysis, and rifle examination results in October 2025, but these were not supplied within the required timeframe.
After months of delay and continued detention of the suspects, legal advice issued in March 2026 concluded that prosecution could not proceed.
However, officials stressed the decision is not final, noting that new evidence could reopen the case at any time.
Legal experts say the decision underscores the evidentiary burden required for criminal prosecution in Nigeria, especially in cases involving security agencies.
However, civil rights groups and traders in the Owode Onirin area have expressed frustration, insisting that the absence of prosecution fuels distrust in law enforcement accountability and deepens public suspicion.
Authorities insist that justice remains open-ended, as the Lagos Government reiterates commitment to impartial prosecution if credible evidence emerges.
The case continues to draw attention due to concerns over police conduct, forensic delays, and public confidence in the justice system.
