The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has cleared four police officers and a developer, Abiodun Ariori, over the killing of six traders in Owode Onirin, Kosofe, citing self-defence and lack of evidence.
In legal advice issued by Director of Public Prosecutions, Babajide Martins, the ministry said investigators failed to provide key evidence, including autopsy and ballistic reports, to support manslaughter charges. The DPP maintained the officers acted to protect themselves during a mob attack, adding that Ariori was not at the scene.
The traders were killed during a clash that broke out when the officers attempted to enforce a disputed court order on the land.
However, the police have challenged the decision, insisting that autopsy and ballistic findings link the suspects to the deaths and urging a review of the advice.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), representing the victims’ families, said fresh evidence would be submitted and vowed to pursue both criminal prosecution and compensation.
