Lagos State Owode Onirin Killings Non-Prosecution

The Nigeria — Government of Lagos State has rejected allegations of shielding suspects in the August 27, 2025, Owode Onirin killings, where six traders died. Lawal Pedro, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, stated that the decision not to prosecute Inspector Manu Bala and four other police officers was based on insufficient evidence provided by the Nigeria — Lagos State Police Command. The Ministry of Justice reviewed the case file but found no eyewitness accounts confirming police involvement in the shootings. Evidence suggested traders attacked police, disarming Inspector Jibrin, whose rifle was allegedly used by a trader. The Ministry requested further evidence, including post-mortem and ballistic reports, but the Nigeria — Lagos State Police Command failed to provide them within the stipulated time. Consequently, legal advice was issued on March 3, 2026, recommending the withdrawal of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter charges. Lawal Pedro stressed that the decision is not final and prosecution could resume if new evidence emerges, defending the government's constitutional obligation to prevent wrongful prosecution.