Rights Group Condemns Handling of Lagos Market Bloodbath
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has strongly condemned the handling of the killings at the Owode-Onirin motor spare parts market in Lagos, describing recent developments as a “disgraceful display of impunity and abuse of state power.”
In a statement signed by its President, Alex Omotehinse, the group criticised the release of three police officers implicated in the killing of seven traders, as well as the bail granted to alleged land grabber Abiodun Ariori, accused of masterminding the attack.
Omotehinse said,
“The Nigeria Police Force has once again chosen the path of cover-up and selective justice by transferring the implicated officers to Abuja instead of prosecuting them in Lagos—an orchestrated attempt to shield them from public scrutiny and deny the victims’ families justice.”
He described the police’s claim of self-defence as “a mockery of justice,” insisting that self-defence cannot be invoked against unarmed traders protecting their shops and livelihoods.
The CHSR further alleged that the police deliberately failed to oppose Ariori’s bail application, describing it as clear evidence of collusion. The group also condemned reports that families of the victims were being compelled to pay for post-mortem examinations before reclaiming their loved ones’ remains.
“Exploiting grief is barbaric, inhuman, and unacceptable,” Omotehinse said. “It reinforces the perception that justice in Lagos is available only to the rich and politically connected.”
The organisation demanded the immediate re-arrest and prosecution of the three officers and Ariori in Lagos, a federal investigation into the killings, an end to police impunity, and independent oversight of the case by human rights bodies and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
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