Four Lagos Policemen Remanded Over Traders’ Killings at Owode Onirin Market
An Ebute‑Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of four police officers accused of the fatal shooting of traders at the Owode Onirin International Spare Parts Market in 2025.
Chief Magistrate Ejiro Kubeinje directed that the defendants: Manu Bala (41), Jibrin Samaila (47), Ibrahim Garuba (29), and Ibrahim Kashimu (26), be held at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre pending legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The officers face a seven‑count charge of conspiracy and murder. According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the accused, alongside others still at large, allegedly opened fire with AK‑47 rifles on August 27, 2025, killing several traders. The victims were identified as Bamidele Dare Mufutau, Adebayo Adewale Mathew, Adeoye Taiye, Abraham Idowu Temilola, Akinboye Oluwaseyi Olamilekan, and Akeem Aderemi Adeoye.
Police prosecutor O.W. Ologun submitted that the offences contravene Sections 223 and 233 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribe punishment for murder and conspiracy to commit a felony. He explained that the remand order was sought pending DPP advice on whether a prima facie case exists.
Defence counsel Azuri Ejiofor opposed the application, arguing that the officers had already been detained for over five months. The court, however, granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the matter to April 15, 2026, for further mention.
Reacting, counsel to the victims’ families, Femi Falana, SAN, welcomed the arraignment as a step towards justice. He noted that the proceedings demonstrate the authorities’ willingness to hold law enforcement accountable and ensure redress for the traders killed in cold blood.
