The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed four officers for their alleged role in the shooting that left seven traders dead at the Owode Onirin Market in Kosofe Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, revealed this on Thursday while briefing journalists at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ikeja.
The incident occurred in August last year during a protest by traders over alleged illegal demolition of shops and claims of land grabbing within the market. During the unrest, suspected police officers reportedly opened fire on the traders.
Among those confirmed dead were Wale Adebayo, Akinboye Oluwaseyi, Taiye Adeoye, Mufutau Salaudeen and Idowu Abraham. Two other victims who were initially receiving treatment later died from injuries sustained in the shooting, bringing the total number of fatalities to seven.
According to earlier reports, the officers involved were allegedly brought to the disputed site by one Hakim Abiodun Ariori and were accused of firing indiscriminately into the crowd.
The command’s former spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, had earlier confirmed that the officers linked to the incident were arrested and placed in detention. Ariori was later declared wanted before he eventually turned himself in to the authorities.
Providing an update on the case, Jimoh said the investigation was nearing completion and assured the public that the matter had not been abandoned.
He explained that the probe had reached an advanced stage following the receipt of a ballistic report analysing rifles allegedly brought by Ariori and the policemen he reportedly mobilised from Nasarawa State to the disputed land.
The commissioner described the shooting as the unlawful killing of innocent traders and stressed that the command remained committed to ensuring accountability.
Jimoh disclosed that four of the policemen who accompanied Ariori to the scene had been detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, where they faced internal disciplinary proceedings before being dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force.
He added that a fifth officer involved in the incident was still receiving medical treatment after sustaining injuries during the confrontation.
According to the police chief, both the ballistic analysis and autopsy reports have now been received, clearing the way for the next stage of the legal process.
Jimoh assured traders at Owode Onirin and the families of the victims that the police would pursue the case to its conclusion, noting that those arrested, as well as other suspects still being sought, would eventually face trial.
The commissioner also spoke about a recent meeting between the Inspector-General of Police and state commissioners of police held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
He said the Inspector-General had directed the disbandment of several tactical squads across state commands following concerns over their growing numbers.
Under the new directive, only three tactical squads will be allowed to operate at the state command level.
Jimoh explained that ongoing discussions about state policing were part of efforts to improve the country’s security framework and make law enforcement more responsive to local realities.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at reforming policing structures in Nigeria to better address emerging security challenges.
He noted that the country continues to face changing security threats that demand new strategies, stronger partnerships and reforms capable of improving the protection of lives and property.
