The Lagos State Government has denied claims that it is protecting suspects linked to the killing of six traders at Owode Onirin, stating that the decision not to prosecute was due to lack of evidence.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, described reports suggesting a cover-up as false and misleading.
He explained that the case file submitted by the Lagos State Police Command did not establish a prima facie case against the suspects.
According to him, the police had forwarded the case to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice after preliminary investigations, in line with the law.
Pedro said that after reviewing witness statements and other evidence, there was no clear link connecting the suspects to the killings.
“Despite the incident supposedly taking place in a busy market, there was no eyewitness account confirming that the policemen shot the deceased,” he stated.
He added that available information suggested that traders attacked the police team during the incident, and a service weapon was taken and allegedly used by a civilian.
The Attorney-General also revealed that the ministry initially requested further investigation due to the seriousness of the case, asking for key evidence such as ballistic reports, post-mortem results and weapon analysis.
However, he said the police failed to provide the requested materials within the required time, despite reminders.
“The ministry only released its legal advice on March 3, 2026, concluding that no prima facie case had been disclosed against the suspects,” he said.
Pedro explained that based on the available evidence, the ministry advised that charges of involuntary manslaughter and conspiracy be dropped.
He stressed that the decision is not final and that prosecution could still happen if new evidence emerges.
“The ministry will not hesitate to prosecute if any new evidence emerges linking any suspect to the crime,” he said.
He also noted that additional forensic reports were submitted after the legal advice had already been issued and are currently under review.
Pedro maintained that refusing to prosecute without sufficient evidence is a legal and constitutional duty, not an attempt to shield anyone.
“Deciding not to prosecute when there is insufficient evidence is an ethical and constitutional obligation to prevent wrongful prosecution, not an act of protection.”
He added that justice must be fair to all parties involved — the victims, the suspects and society.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to fair, transparent and evidence-based prosecution, stressing that justice cannot be based on assumptions or emotions.
The Owode Onirin incident, which occurred in August 2025, involved the killing of six traders and has continued to attract public attention over the roles of the police and prosecuting authorities.
