The Lagos State Government has denied allegations that it is protecting suspects connected to the killing of six traders at Owode Onirin, stating that its decision not to prosecute was based solely on insufficient evidence.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), described claims that the state was shielding the suspects as false, misleading, and unsupported by facts.

The controversy relates to the August 27, 2025, incident involving Inspector Manu Bala and four other police officers.

Pedro explained that the Lagos State Police Command forwarded the case file to the Ministry of Justice in line with the law for legal advice after initial investigations.

He said the ministry carefully reviewed witness statements, suspect statements, and other documents but found no direct evidence linking the suspects to the deaths.

“For instance, there was no eyewitness account in the case file confirming that the policemen shot the deceased, despite the incident allegedly occurring in a busy market,” he said.

According to him, evidence in the file indicated that traders attacked the police team when they arrived at a disputed land location and seized the rifle of Inspector Jibrin, which was allegedly used by a trader to fire shots.

Pedro said the assaulted officer had to be rescued and taken to the hospital, while the only civilian suspect arrested was later found not to have been present at the scene.

He added that because of the seriousness of the case, the ministry initially refused to issue a no-case advice and instead requested more evidence from the police on October 30, 2025.

The requested materials included post-mortem reports, ballistic analysis, and examination reports of the rifles assigned to the officers involved.

However, he said the police did not submit the materials within 45 days, despite a reminder sent on December 17, 2025, while the suspects remained in custody and their bail applications were denied.

“It was only after about six months of incarceration and no response from the police that the ministry issued its legal advice on March 3, 2026, concluding that no prima facie case had been disclosed against the suspects,” he said.

Pedro noted that charges of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter were recommended for withdrawal because of lack of evidence.

He stressed that the decision is not final and that prosecution would follow if fresh evidence emerges.

“If any new evidence emerges linking any suspect to the crime, the ministry will not hesitate to prosecute,” he said.

The Attorney-General also disclosed that provisional post-mortem and ballistic reports were submitted only after the legal advice had been issued and are now under review.

He defended the ministry’s position, saying that refusing to prosecute without sufficient evidence is both an ethical and constitutional responsibility.

“The decision not to prosecute where evidence is insufficient is not an act of protection; it is an ethical and constitutional obligation to prevent wrongful prosecution,” he said.

Pedro reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to fair, impartial, and evidence-based justice in the matter.