The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed four police officers over their alleged involvement in the killing of seven traders during a violent clash at the Owode-Onirin market area of the state.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed the development on Thursday during a briefing with journalists at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ikeja, assuring the public that those responsible for the killings would face prosecution.
Jimoh said the dismissed officers were brought into Lagos from Nasarawa State by the principal suspect in the case, identified as Abiodun Ariori, who allegedly mobilised armed men during the conflict that led to the deadly incident.
According to the police chief, the officers were found to have played roles in the unlawful killing of the traders, prompting their dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force. He added that the investigation into the incident was nearing completion and that prosecution would soon begin.
“This matter has not been swept under the carpet,” Jimoh said. “We want the public and all the families of the victims to know that nobody can stop us from ensuring that justice is done.”
He added that the police would “leave no stone unturned” in pursuing justice and warned that the command would not be intimidated by anyone in the course of the investigation.
“All suspects will be prosecuted, and the courts remain open to hear every case,” the commissioner stated.
Jimoh revealed that about 98 per cent of the investigation has been concluded, noting that evidence such as ballistic analysis and autopsy reports would guide the prosecution of suspects linked to the killings.
He urged residents and traders across Lagos to remain calm and vigilant while assuring them that the police command remained committed to protecting lives and property.
The commissioner emphasised that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to uphold its constitutional responsibility of maintaining law and order, stressing that no individual or group would be allowed to obstruct the course of justice.
Background to the killings
The deadly incident occurred in August 2025 during a confrontation between traders and suspected land grabbers in the Owode-Onirin market area in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Reports indicated that armed men, allegedly accompanied by the implicated police officers, stormed the market during a dispute over demolition and ownership of the land. During the chaos, gunshots were fired, leaving five traders dead on the spot, while two others later died in hospital from injuries sustained during the attack.
Some of the victims were later identified as Wale Adebayo, Akinboye Oluwaseyi, Taiye Adeoye, Mufutau Salaudeen and Idowu Abraham, among others.
The incident sparked widespread outrage among traders, civil society groups and residents, with calls for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings. Families of the victims have also demanded justice and compensation.
Jimoh assured the public that all suspects involved in the incident — including the dismissed officers and other accomplices — would face trial once investigations are fully concluded.
He reiterated that the police command remains committed to reforms and improved policing in Lagos, adding that security agencies would continue working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We want to assure the general public, the traders in Owode-Onirin and other Nigerians that nobody can stop us from ensuring justice in this matter,” the commissioner said.
