Lagos Market Bloodshed: Rights Group Fumes Over Release of Suspects

The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has called for the re-arrest and prosecution of three policemen and a suspected land grabber linked to the killing of seven traders at the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Lagos.

The group expressed anger over the release of the accused officers and the bail granted to Abiodun Ariori, who was identified by traders as being connected to the violent attack.

CHSR faulted the decision of the Nigeria Police Force to transfer the suspects to Abuja instead of prosecuting them in Lagos, saying it was a move to protect those involved from justice.

The organisation criticised the police for allegedly attempting to cover up the case by presenting it as self-defence, even though the traders killed during the invasion were reportedly unarmed and only defending their shops.

It further accused the police of cooperating with individuals behind the deadly invasion by not opposing Ariori’s bail request.CHSR expressed outrage over reports that families of the victims were being forced to pay for post-mortem examinations before retrieving their loved ones’ bodies.

The group described such treatment as inhumane and unfair, especially towards those already suffering from loss and destruction.The human rights body urged the Federal Government to order an independent investigation into the killings and to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.

It also demanded that human rights groups and the Nigerian Bar Association monitor the case to prevent manipulation of the legal process.According to reports, the Owode-Onirin attack occurred on August 30, 2025, when armed men, allegedly aided by policemen, invaded the motor spare parts market, killing seven traders and destroying about 50 vehicles.

The victims were identified as Wale Adebayo, Akinboye Oluwaseyi, Taiye Adeoye, Mufutau Salaudeen, and Idowu Abraham, among others.

While the police initially reported three deaths, eyewitnesses and hospital records confirmed that seven people lost their lives, with several others seriously injured.

Public anger reignited on October 4, 2025, after news broke that the detained officers had been freed and Ariori released on medical grounds, prompting fresh calls for accountability and justice.