Manny Ita –
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, has vowed that four police officers and other suspects linked to the killing of seven traders in the Owode-Onirin area of Lagos last year will face prosecution.
Mr Jimoh made the declaration while addressing journalists at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ikeja on Thursday, stating that the officers were allegedly brought from Nasarawa State by one of the main suspects in the violence, identified as “Ariori,” and were directly involved in the attack.
“This matter has not been swept under the carpet, and we want the public and all the families of the victims to know that nobody can stop us from ensuring that justice is done,” the police commissioner said.
“We will leave no stone unturned and will not be intimidated by anyone. All suspects will be prosecuted, and the courts remain open to hear every case,” he added.
Mr Jimoh explained that ballistic and autopsy reports had guided the ongoing investigation, which he said is now close to completion.
“Justice will be served, and no one can stop us,” he emphasised.
The commissioner reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to maintaining law and order, warning that no individual or group would be allowed to obstruct the course of justice. He also urged residents and traders to remain vigilant while assuring them that the police would continue efforts to protect lives and property.
The killings occurred in August 2025 during a violent clash between land grabbers and traders in Owode-Onirin in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State. Witnesses said a businessman, accompanied by armed men, allegedly ordered hoodlums to forcefully evict shop owners and mechanics from the area.
According to traders at the scene, resistance by the occupants escalated into a shootout that left at least three traders dead while others, including a police officer, sustained injuries. The incident later triggered protests as angry traders blocked the main road, paralysing traffic for several hours.
Police investigations linked the clash to the Chief Executive Officer of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited, Abiodun Ariori, who has since been declared wanted after allegedly evading arrest. Authorities said four policemen brought in by Mr Ariori for the operation were detained for illegal duty and placed under orderly room trial.
In a separate but related incident, violence also broke out at Balogun Market on Lagos Island after a dispute over money between two middlemen turned deadly. Police said one man stabbed the other, who retaliated, resulting in the death of Sodiq Ibrahim from Kogi State.
Authorities clarified that the market incident was not ethnically motivated and noted that normalcy has since returned to the area. The police command assured residents that safety measures were in place and urged members of the public to continue their lawful business activities without fear.
