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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has released four policemen and a developer, Abiodun Ariori, who were accused of killing six traders in Owode Onirin, in the Kosofe area of the state.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the suspects were freed after the Directorate of Public Prosecutions issued legal advice indicating that the cops acted in self-defence.
In the legal advice, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Babajide Martins, and obtained exclusively by Saturday PUNCH on Friday, the DPP blamed investigators for not providing evidence that could sustain charges of manslaughter.
The victims were shot dead by the policemen, identified as Musa Bala, Ahmed Abass, Ibrahim Kasimu and Ibrahim Garba.
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Saturday PUNCH had reported how the cops were brought from Nasarawa by Ariori to enforce an alleged court order which gave the rights to the land occupied by the traders to a Lagos family.
Ariori was said to be the family’s agent.
In the course of the enforcement, chaos broke out, and the six traders were shot dead.
The victims were identified as Adeoye Taiwo, Akinloye Seyi, Wale Adebayo, Abraham Idowu, Dare Salaudeen and Adeoye Akeem.
The policemen and the Ariori were then arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lagos State.
However, the matter was transferred to Abuja.
Saturday PUNCH reported that the cops were freed and Ariori granted bail.
Our correspondent learnt that after the protests, charges were filed against the suspects.
However, the DPP, in its legal advice dated Tuesday, March 3, said there was no prima facie evidence to justify their prosecution.
According to the Director, Martins, the four police officers were attacked by a mob with weapons during the incident.
Martins noted that one of the officers was injured and dispossessed of his rifle.
He further stated that Ariori was not present at the scene when the incident occurred.
On possible manslaughter charges, the DPP said the police failed to provide forensic evidence necessary to establish the cause of death and link any of the suspects to the killings.
He said there was no autopsy report on the deceased, no ballistic analysis of bullets recovered, and no examination report on the rifles issued to the officers.
“From the available facts in the file, there is no positive evidence to prove that the suspects are responsible for the death of the deceased persons.
“The first to fourth suspects, who were the police officers, acted in self-defence and in protection of their lives, while the 5th suspect was not present at the scene when the traders (mob) attacked the police officers.
“In the circumstance, we advise that no prima facie case of any offence has been disclosed against the suspects. Punch
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