Lagos AG denies protecting suspects in Owode Onirin killings
The Lagos State Government has rejected claims that it is shielding suspects involved in the killing of six traders at Owode Onirin. Lawal Pedro (SAN), the state’s Attorney-General, said the decision not to prosecute was due to lack of evidence. He explained that investigations did not establish a direct link between the suspects and the deaths. The controversy has continued to attract public attention over the actions of both the police and the Ministry of Justice.
What happened
- Lawal Pedro (SAN) described the allegations of shielding suspects as “false, misleading and unsupported by facts.”
- The incident involving Inspector Manu Bala and four other police officers occurred on August 27, 2025.
- The Ministry of Justice requested critical evidence from the police on October 30, 2025, but did not receive the materials within 45 days, prompting a reminder on December 17, 2025.
- After about six months of incarceration and no response from the police, the ministry issued its legal advice on March 3, 2026, stating no prima facie case was disclosed against the suspects.
- The Attorney-General stressed that if new evidence emerges, the ministry will not hesitate to prosecute, and emphasized the importance of evidence-based prosecution.
