The Lagos State Government has denied allegations that it is shielding suspects linked to the killing of six traders in Owode Onirin, maintaining that its decision not to prosecute was based strictly on lack of evidence.
In a statement, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Lawal Pedro (SAN) described a publication titled “Is Lagos State Shielding Killers?” as inaccurate and unfounded.
The case, involving Inspector Manu Bala and four other officers, was reviewed after the Lagos State Police Command submitted its file in line with Section 74 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
Pedro said a review of witness accounts and available materials failed to establish a prima facie case.
“For instance, there was no eyewitness account in the case file confirming that the policemen shot the deceased, despite the incident allegedly occurring in a busy market.”
He explained that evidence suggested a different sequence of events, including claims that the police team was attacked and an officer disarmed during the incident.
After requesting additional evidence—such as forensic and ballistic reports—the ministry said the police failed to provide the documents within the required timeframe, prompting a legal conclusion on March 3, 2026, that prosecution could not proceed.
The government stressed that the decision could be revisited if new evidence emerges.
“In the event that any new evidence emerges linking any suspect to the crime, the ministry will not hesitate to prosecute, as there is no time bar for criminal prosecution,” he said.
Pedro defended the decision as a legal duty, not an attempt to protect suspects.
“The decision not to prosecute where evidence is insufficient is not an act of protection it is an ethical and constitutional obligation to prevent wrongful prosecution,” he said.
He added, “Justice is not a one-way traffic; but three way traffic. It must serve the victim, the suspect and society at large.”
