The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights has cried out against the handling of the Owode-Onirin motor spare parts market killings, describing recent developments as a disgraceful drama of impunity and abuse of state power.

In a statement by its President, Alex Omotehinse, the group condemned the release of three policemen linked to the murder of seven traders and the bail granted to alleged land grabber, Abiodun Ariori, said to have masterminded the attack.

Omotehinse said, “The Nigeria Police Force has once again chosen the path of cover-up and selective justice, transferring the implicated officers to Abuja instead of trying them in Lagos, an orchestrated attempt to shield them from public scrutiny and deny the victims’ families justice.”

He further described the police’s claim of self-defence during the trial as a mockery of justice.

“The so-called orderly room trial that freed the officers on flimsy claims of self-defence is a mockery of justice. Self-defence cannot be claimed against unarmed traders defending their shops and livelihoods.”

The rights group alleged that the police deliberately failed to challenge Ariori’s bail application, calling it clear evidence of collusion, while also condemning reports that families of the victims were being forced to pay for post-mortems before reclaiming their loved ones’ remains.

“Exploiting grief is barbaric, inhuman, and unacceptable. A reinforcement of the perception that justice in Lagos is for sale to the rich and politically connected, Omotehinse added.”

The CHSR, however, demanded the immediate re-arrest and prosecution of the three officers and Ariori in Lagos, a federal probe into the killings, an end to police impunity, and independent oversight of the case by human rights bodies and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Omotehinse further added, “The blood of the Owode-Onirin victims cries for justice. Lagos cannot claim to be a centre of excellence while tolerating state-sponsored land grabbing, police killings, and judicial compromise. Justice delayed is justice denied. Justice denied is democracy betrayed.”

PUNCH Metro had reported on August 30, 2025, that at least seven traders were killed and about 50 vehicles destroyed when policemen, allegedly working with suspected land grabbers led by Ariori, invaded the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Lagos. Among the victims identified were Wale Adebayo, Akinboye Oluwaseyi, Taiye Adeoye, Mufutau Salaudeen, and Idowu Abraham. Contrary to an initial police claim that only three persons died, eyewitnesses confirmed seven fatalities during the attack, while a credible source from the Ikorodu General Hospital confirmed the death of four persons.

“Initially, three people died on the spot, and four were injured. The four were taken to a theatre and operated on. Unfortunately, one of them died. That brought the number of dead victims to four. One other person was critically injured. The casualty figure may be more because some of them were taken to other hospitals.”

In another report on October 4, 2025, PUNCH reported that police authorities have released the three policemen accused of killing seven traders at the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Lagos State on bail.

The report had it that the Chairman of the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market, Abiodun Ahmed, noted that the suspected land grabber had been released after instituting suits against the police, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, and the market.

“We heard he was granted bail on medical grounds. But the police have since stationed officers at the market to protect traders and prevent further violence, he said.” (PUNCH)