A wave of public indignation has erupted following the release of three police officers implicated in the fatal shooting of seven traders at the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Lagos. Alongside them, a suspected land grabber believed to have orchestrated the violent attack was also freed.
Relatives of the victims and human rights organizations have strongly criticized this outcome, viewing it as a glaring example of systemic injustice and abuse of authority within Nigeria’s legal framework.
Reports indicate that the officers, who are members of the Nasarawa State Police Command, were allegedly brought into Lagos by Abiodun Ariori, the suspected land grabber, before carrying out the deadly assault on the market traders.
Rather than being subjected to disciplinary action in Lagos, the officers were reportedly transferred to Abuja, where the Police Provost subsequently released them, citing claims of self-defense.
“These policemen belonged to the Nasarawa Command. Following the shootings, they were moved to Abuja for an orderly room trial, but the Provost discharged them, asserting they acted in self-defense,” a source close to the investigation revealed.
There are unverified allegations suggesting that the decision to free the officers may have been influenced by a close relationship between the Police Provost and the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police.
Meanwhile, Abiodun Ariori, the alleged mastermind behind the attack, was granted bail after filing an application at the High Court while detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The police reportedly did not contest his bail request, enabling his release.
Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has condemned the release, warning that if the police fail to hold the perpetrators accountable, his legal team will pursue court action.
“The crime occurred in Lagos, so there was no valid reason to transfer the case to Abuja. If the officers claim self-defense, they must substantiate this in a court of law,” Falana emphasized.
Families Decry Extortion and Delays in Postmortem Procedures
As justice remains elusive, the bereaved families of the deceased traders report being pressured to pay exorbitant fees before postmortem examinations on their loved ones can proceed.
Moruf Olayemi, uncle to one of the victims, Akinboye Oluwaseyi, described the demand as callous and exploitative.
“We were informed that over 600 bodies are currently in the morgue, and that payment would expedite our cases. It’s devastating that while those responsible roam free, we must pay to access our loved ones. Oluwaseyi left behind three young children aged seven, five, and two,” he lamented.
Another mourner, Owolabi Ganiu, who employed one of the victims, Wale Adebayo, accused authorities of commodifying the postmortem process and neglecting the families’ plight.
“There has been no condolence or response from the government. This concerns human lives. We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step in,” he appealed.
Abiodun Temilola, whose son Abraham was among those killed, expressed that his family cannot afford the steep charges being demanded.
“If they are unwilling to conduct the postmortem, they should release his body to us. Abraham had no conflicts with anyone,” he said tearfully.
Biliaminu Adeoye, father of another victim, Akeem Adeoye, condemned the situation as “inhumane and cruel.”
“Demanding large sums from grieving families at such a time is heartless,” he added.
Market Officials and Police Respond
The Chairman of the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market, Abiodun Ahmed, called on the families to remain patient, assuring them that the government is working to facilitate the postmortem examinations.
“We were informed that financial contributions could accelerate the process, but the police have not directly requested money,” he clarified.
Ahmed confirmed that the suspected land grabber was granted bail on medical grounds after initiating legal action against the police, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, and the market association. He also noted that security personnel have been deployed to the market to prevent further unrest.
When reached for comment, Lagos Police Public Relations Officer SP Abimbola Adebisi stated she was not yet briefed on the case but promised to investigate and provide updates.
This tragic event, which resulted in the loss of seven lives, has reignited concerns about police accountability, corruption, and the entrenched culture of impunity within Nigeria’s justice system.
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