Lagos Court Remands Four Police Officers Facing Murder Charges Over Owode Spare Parts Market Massacre

Four Nigeria Police Force members remanded at Kirikiri following a seven-count murder charge involving the deaths of six traders at Owode Onirin Market.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 8:21 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Daily Trust

Legal Consequences for Fatal Market Enforcement Operation

The Lagos State judicial system has moved to address a significant breach of conduct within the Nigeria Police Force following the remand of four officers at an Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court. The defendants, identified as Manu Bala, Jibrin Samaila, Ibrahim Garuba, and Ibrahim Kashimu, are accused of participating in a violent confrontation at the Owode Onirin International Spare Parts Market. This judicial action marks the beginning of a formal accountability process for an incident that has sparked considerable tension between the local trading community and law enforcement agencies.

Specific Allegations of Lethal Force and Conspiracy

According to the prosecution led by Mr. O.W. Ologun, the officers allegedly utilized AK-47 rifles to open fire on traders during a morning operation on August 27, 2025. The charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police explicitly details a conspiracy to commit murder, naming six specific victims: Bamidele Dare Mufutau, Adebayo Adewale Mathew, Adeoye Taiye, Abraham Idowu Temilola, Akinboye Oluwaseyi Olamilekan, and Akeem Aderemi Adeoye. The prosecution maintains that the use of high-caliber service weapons against unarmed civilians constitutes a severe violation of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, specifically sections governing lethal assault.

Judicial Review and the Director of Public Prosecutions

Chief Magistrate E. Kubeinje’s decision to grant the remand order serves as a procedural bridge while the state awaits formal legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This phase is critical for determining if a prima facie case exists to move the matter to a higher court for trial. The magistrate emphasized that the gravity of the seven-count charge necessitates secure custody, particularly in cases where the loss of multiple lives is involved. The court's role at this stage is to ensure that the accused remain available for prosecution while the state’s legal department reviews the forensic and witness evidence gathered.