The Lagos State Government has dismissed allegations that it is shielding suspects in the killing of six traders at Owode Onirin, insisting the decision not to prosecute was based on lack of evidence.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), in a statement, described reports suggesting a cover-up as false and misleading.
He said the case file submitted by the police did not establish a prima facie case against the suspects, including Inspector Manu Bala and four other officers linked to the August 27, 2025 incident.
According to him, witness statements and available records did not directly link the officers to the deaths of the traders.
Pedro explained that the police had earlier reported that traders attacked officers during a land dispute, during which a police rifle was allegedly seized and used by a trader.
He added that one inspector was assaulted and hospitalised during the incident, while a civilian suspect initially arrested was later confirmed not to have been present at the scene.
The Attorney-General said the Ministry of Justice requested key forensic materials, including post-mortem and ballistic reports, but the police failed to submit them within the stipulated period.
He noted that after months of delay, the ministry issued legal advice on March 3, 2026, concluding that there was no sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.
However, Pedro stressed that the decision was not final, adding that the case remains open and can be revisited if new evidence emerges.
He maintained that declining prosecution without evidence was a constitutional duty, not an attempt to protect suspects, insisting that justice must balance the rights of victims, suspects, and society.
