Lagos Govt Frees Four Policemen Accused of Killing Six Traders

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has released four police officers and a private developer who were accused of killing six traders in the Owode Onirin area of Kosofe Local Government.

The suspects were freed following a legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, which stated that the policemen acted in self-defence during the incident.

The DPP’s advice, signed by Director Babajide Martins, said the officers were attacked by a mob with weapons, and one of them was injured and had his rifle taken. The developer, Abiodun Ariori, was reportedly not present when the shooting occurred.

The DPP also noted that investigators failed to provide forensic evidence to support manslaughter charges, including autopsy reports, ballistic analysis, or examination of the officers’ rifles.

However, the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti disagreed with the legal advice. In a letter to the DPP, Deputy Commissioner of Police Dayo Akinbisehin said autopsy reports from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and ballistic findings from the Force Criminal Investigation Department showed that the suspects were responsible for the deaths.

The police urged the DPP to review the decision and allow the suspects to face trial.

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who represents the deceased traders, said his team would provide the DPP with the required information for a full assessment. He added that a civil suit would be filed to seek compensation for the families of the victims.

The six traders killed were identified as Adeoye Taiwo, Akinloye Seyi, Wale Adebayo, Abraham Idowu, Dare Salaudeen, and Adeoye Akeem.