Lagos Government Denies Shielding Suspects in Killings

The Lagos State Government has refuted claims of protecting suspects linked to the killings of six traders in Owode Onirin, which occurred on August 27, 2025. Attorney General Lawal Pedro stated that the decision not to prosecute was based solely on insufficient evidence.

The Lagos State Police Command explained that the case file was forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice after preliminary investigations. Upon review, the Ministry found no direct connection between the suspects and the deaths, as there were no eyewitness accounts confirming police involvement.

The Attorney General noted that the suspects were not present at the scene and emphasized that the case remains open for prosecution if new evidence emerges. Despite criticisms regarding the handling of the case, Pedro maintained that the decision not to prosecute was ethical and based on the lack of sufficient evidence, reaffirming the government's commitment to uphold the rule of law.