Four police officers accused of killing traders in Lagos market remanded

By Ngozi Njoku

Four police officers accused of shooting and killing traders at Owode Onirin International Spare Parts Market, Lagos were remanded at Kirikiri Custodial Centre pending legal advice on Tuesday after they were arraigned before an Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The defendants identified as Manu Bala, 41; Jibrin Samaila, 47; Ibrahim Garuba, 29; and Ibrahim Kashimu, 26, were arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder.

Police prosecutor, Mr O.W. Ologun, told the court the offences allegedly occurred on Aug. 27, 2025, about 9 a.m. at Owode Onirin Market.

Ologun alleged the defendants and others still at large conspired and shot several traders dead with AK-47 rifles.

“The defendants and others at large conspired and shot several traders to death with AK-47 rifles,” the prosecutor said.

According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, six victims were named in the alleged killings.

They include Bamidele Dare Mufutau, Adebayo Adewale Mathew, Adeoye Taiye, Abraham Idowu Temilola, Akinboye Oluwaseyi Olamilekan and Akeem Aderemi Adeoye.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 223 and 233 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

He added the suspects were brought to court to obtain a remand order pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“The advice will determine whether a prima facie case has been established against them,” Ologun said.

Counsel to the defendants, Mr Azuri Ejiofor, urged the court not to grant the remand request.

Ejiofor argued the defendants had already spent more than five months in detention.

“My lord, the defendants have been in custody for over five months,” he said.

Chief Magistrate E. Kubeinje granted the prosecution’s request and ordered their remand at Kirikiri Custodial Centre pending the DPP’s advice.

The case was adjourned until April 15, for mention. (NAN)