Nigerian Police Dismiss Four Officers Over Alleged Murder Of Seven Traders At Owode-Onirin In Lagos

 The Nigeria Police Force has taken decisive action in a long-running case that shocked Lagos residents, dismissing four officers implicated in the tragic killing of seven traders at the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in the Kosofe area of the state.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, announced the dismissals on Thursday during a media briefing at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ikeja. The move follows an internal disciplinary process and marks a significant step in addressing public outrage over the incident, which occurred back in August 2025 amid a bitter land dispute.

According to the CP, the four officers brought into Lagos from Nasarawa State by the principal suspect, identified as Hakim Abiodun Ariori (also referred to as Abiodun Ariori or Akeem Ariori in various accounts) were found to have been involved in the unlawful shooting that claimed the lives of innocent traders. Jimoh described the incident as the "unlawful killing of innocent traders," stressing that investigations are nearing completion.

The violence erupted when suspected land grabbers, accompanied by the officers, reportedly stormed the bustling market. Traders claimed the group opened fire indiscriminately during what began as a confrontation over alleged unlawful demolition and attempts to seize control of parts of the market. Initial reports spoke of several deaths on the spot, with the toll rising to seven as two more victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Dozens were injured, and property damage including the destruction of around 50 vehicles and shops added to the devastation.

The market, a key hub for motor spare parts in Lagos, has long been plagued by disputes involving land grabbers, locally known as "omo-onile," who often clash with legitimate occupants. In this case, Ariori was accused of mobilizing armed support, including the out-of-state policemen, to enforce his claims. The involvement of police personnel in what traders and rights groups described as extrajudicial violence sparked widespread condemnation, protests, and calls for accountability from bodies like the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR).

Earlier developments had fueled frustration: following the killings, the officers were initially transferred to Abuja for an orderly room trial rather than being handled in Lagos, where the crime occurred. Some reports suggested they were released on claims of self-defense, prompting accusations of a cover-up and selective justice. Families of the victims and market leaders had repeatedly demanded a thorough probe, prosecution of those responsible, and compensation.

Jimoh's announcement signals a shift. The dismissed officers, having been held at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), underwent trial procedures and were formally removed from service. This paves the way for their prosecution in court on charges related to the killings. The CP emphasized that the dismissals were not routine but followed due process, allowing the officers to defend themselves.

While the police have not released the names of the dismissed officers publicly, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the affected families and restoring trust in law enforcement. Jimoh reiterated that the command is committed to concluding investigations swiftly and holding all involved parties accountable, including any civilians linked to the violence.

The decision has been welcomed by some as a necessary response to police misconduct, though many in the community and on social media continue to call for full transparency, including the prosecution of Ariori and any others who orchestrated or participated in the attack. Traders at Owode-Onirin have endured months of grief, loss of livelihood, and fear, and this latest development offers a measure of hope that those responsible will face consequences.