An Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of four police officers at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre for their alleged involvement in the shooting deaths of several traders at the Owode Onirin International Spare Parts Market in August 2025.
The defendants—Manu Bala, Jibrin Samaila, Ibrahim Garuba, and Ibrahim Kashimu—face a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder.
They were remanded pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which will determine whether a prima facie case has been established against them.
Police prosecutor O.W. Ologun informed the court that the alleged offences occurred on August 27, 2025, around 9 a.m. at the Owode Onirin Market.
"The defendants and others at large conspired and shot several traders to death with AK-47 rifles," Ologun told the court.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, six victims were specifically named in the alleged killings: Bamidele Dare Mufutau, Adebayo Adewale Mathew, Adeoye Taiye, Abraham Idowu Temilola, Akinboye Oluwaseyi Olamilekan, and Akeem Aderemi Adeoye.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 223 and 233 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
He added that the suspects were brought to court to obtain a remand order while awaiting legal advice from the DPP.
Counsel to the defendants, Mr Azuri Ejiofor, urged the court not to grant the remand request, arguing that the defendants had already spent more than five months in detention.
However, the court proceeded with the remand order, sending the officers to Kirikiri pending the outcome of the DPP's legal advice.
The case has drawn significant attention to police conduct and accountability in Lagos, with market associations and civil rights groups closely monitoring proceedings.
The Owode Onirin killings sparked outrage among traders and raised concerns about the use of excessive force by law enforcement personnel.
The matter continues to await legal advice from the DPP, which will determine the next steps in the prosecution.
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