An Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of four policemen accused of killing traders at the Owode Onirin International Spare Parts Market in 2025.
The Chief Magistrate, Ejiro Kubeinje, on Monday directed that the suspects — Manu Bala, 41; Jibrin Samaila, 47; Ibrahim Garuba, 29; and Ibrahim Kashimu, 26 — be remanded at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre pending legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.
The defendants are facing a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder.
Police prosecutor O.W. Ologun told the court that the accused allegedly conspired to commit the offence on August 27, 2025, at about 9:00 a.m. at the Owode Onirin International Spare Parts Market.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the suspects, alongside others still at large, allegedly shot several traders to death with AK-47 rifles.
The victims were identified as Bamidele Dare Mufutau, Adebayo Adewale Mathew, Adeoye Taiye, Abraham Idowu Temilola, Akinboye Oluwaseyi Olamilekan, and Akeem Aderemi Adeoye.
Ologun stated that the offences contravene Sections 223 and 233 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribe punishment for murder and conspiracy to commit a felony.
He added that the suspects were brought before the court to obtain a remand order pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to determine whether a prima facie case exists against them.
However, defence counsel Azuri Ejiofor urged the court not to remand the officers, arguing that they had already been in detention for more than five months.
Despite the plea, the magistrate granted the prosecution’s application and ordered that the suspects remain in custody.
The case was adjourned until April 15, 2026, for further mention.
Reacting to the development, counsel to the traders and the victims’ families, Femi Falana (SAN), described the arraignment as a positive step toward justice.
Falana said the arraignment of the police officers indicated that authorities were willing to ensure justice for the victims who were allegedly murdered in cold blood.
He added that as the parties await the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions, there is hope that justice will eventually be served for the slain traders.
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