Court remands four police officers over alleged killing of six traders

By Lukman Olabiyi

The Lagos State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ebute Metta has ordered the remand of four police officers accused of shooting and killing traders at the popular Owode Onirin International Spare Parts Market.

The defendants — Manu Bala (41), Jibrin Samaila (47), Ibrahim Garuba (29) and Ibrahim Kashimu (26) — were remanded at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre pending legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The officers are facing a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder.

Police prosecutor, Mr O. W. Ologun, told the court that the accused persons allegedly conspired and carried out the killings on 27 August 2025, at about 9:00 a.m. at Owode Onirin Market in Lagos.

According to the charge sheet filed before the court by the Commissioner of Police, the defendants and others still at large allegedly opened fire on traders with AK-47 rifles, resulting in multiple deaths.

The victims listed in the charge include Bamidele Dare Mufutau, Adebayo Adewale Mathew, Adeoye Taiye, Abraham Idowu Temilola, Akinboye Oluwaseyi Olamilekan and Akeem Aderemi Adeoye.

The prosecution said the alleged offences contravene Sections 223 and 233 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribe punishment for murder and conspiracy to commit felony.

Ologun told the court that the suspects were brought before it to obtain a remand order pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine whether a prima facie case exists against them.

Following the application, the magistrate granted the request and ordered that the four defendants be remanded at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre pending the DPP’s advice.

The case was adjourned until 15 April 2026, for further mention.

Meanwhile, counsel to the traders and families of the victims, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, said charging of the police officers indicated that the Lagos State Police Command was ready to ensure justice for the slain traders.

Falana said the families of the victims were hopeful that justice would be served once the case proceeds in court, adding that the deceased traders should not die in vain.