Controversy Erupts In Lagos After Police, Developer Are Exonerated In Owode Onirin Case

The decision followed legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which concluded that the officers acted in self-defence during the incident.

In the legal opinion signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Babajide Martins, the DPP faulted investigators for failing to provide sufficient evidence to support any manslaughter charges against the suspects.

The report noted that key investigative materials such as autopsy results and ballistic analyses linking the accused to the deaths were not adequately provided.

Based on available information, the DPP stated that there was no concrete evidence establishing criminal responsibility, adding that the officers were responding to a violent mob attack during the operation.

It also clarified that the developer, Abiodun Ariori, was not physically present at the scene when the incident occurred.

The tragic incident reportedly happened during an enforcement exercise over a disputed court order concerning land occupied by traders, which escalated into violence resulting in the deaths of six people.

The officers involved—Musa Bala, Ahmed Abass, Ibrahim Kasimu, and Ibrahim Garba—were said to have been brought in from Nasarawa by Ariori, who acted on behalf of a Lagos-based family claiming ownership of the land.

However, the Nigeria Police Force has rejected the DPP’s conclusion, insisting that there is enough evidence to prosecute all the suspects.

In a response letter signed by DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, the police maintained that autopsy findings and ballistic reports support criminal liability and should not be ignored.

The police argued that the investigation clearly established culpability and urged the DPP to review its position and allow the suspects to face trial in court, stressing the importance of justice, public safety, and the rule of law.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, who represents the victims’ families, said the case is not yet concluded.

He stated that his legal team would present additional evidence to the DPP and continue pushing for prosecution, while also planning a civil suit for compensation for the bereaved families.

Falana insisted that the matter would be pursued to its logical conclusion in the interest of justice.