Nasarawa Policemen freed after killing 7 Lagos traders

‎Three policemen from Nasarawa State accused of killing seven traders in Lagos have been released following claims of self-defense, resulting in outrage among victims’ families who now struggle with costly postmortem demands.
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‎The violence erupted August 30, 2025, at the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Lagos when policemen allegedly brought by a suspected land grabber unleashed deadly force, resulting in the deaths of seven traders and destruction of nearly 50 vehicles.
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‎Despite the severity, the three policemen involved were transferred to Abuja for trial but were soon freed, reportedly on grounds of self-defense. Sources revealed that the investigation and trial were handled away from Lagos, where the incident happened.
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‎The families of the deceased, many of whom are still awaiting the release of bodies, face additional hardship as they report being asked to pay high fees for postmortems, which delays burial rites.
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‎Moruf Olayemi, uncle to one of the victims, lamented, that they were told there were about 600 bodies in the morgue, and unless they pay, their loved ones will not be released. He stressed that it is painful that the man who caused the violence is free, but his family members are trapped in the morgue.
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The suspected land grabber, Abiodun Ariori, granted bail on unclear medical grounds, also walks free despite public calls for his detention.
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Human rights lawyer Femi Falana condemned the decision to free the policemen and the transfer of the case to Abuja. He vowed that his office is ready to represent the victims should the police refuse prosecution.
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Employers and relatives of the victims also voiced frustration over the slow government response and financial burdens. Owolabi Ganiu, employer of the late Wale Adebayo, called for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention.
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The Chairman of the market, Abiodun Ahmed, appealed for patience from families, assuring that the government intends to cover costs eventually and that police presence remains to secure the area.
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Meanwhile, the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer was unaware of developments and promised to investigate further.The Inspector General of Police has reportedly ordered a review of the case while the Lagos Commissioner of Police is said to be pushing for prosecution.
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The release of the police officers and the suspected land grabber has left grieving families feeling justice is out of reach, with many still awaiting the return of their loved ones’ remains.
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