The wheels of justice have finally turned against four police officers accused of turning a Lagos marketplace into a killing field. On Tuesday, an Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court ordered that Manu Bala, Jibrin Samaila, Ibrahim Garuba, and Ibrahim Kashimu be remanded at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre. The defendants are facing a grim seven-count charge of conspiracy and murder following the horrific shootings at the Owode Onirin International Spare Parts Market. According to Police prosecutor Mr. O.W. Ologun, the nightmare unfolded on the morning of August 27, 2025. What was supposed to be a regular business day for traders turned into a massacre when the officers allegedly opened fire with AK-47 rifles. The prosecution named six victims who lost their lives in the hail of bullets: Bamidele Dare Mufutau, Adebayo Adewale Mathew, Adeoye Taiye, Abraham Idowu Temilola, Akinboye Oluwaseyi Olamilekan, Akeem Aderemi Adeoye “The defendants and others at large conspired and shot several traders to death,” Ologun told the court. The courtroom drama intensified when the defense counsel, Mr. Azuri Ejiofor, fought tooth and nail to stop the remand. He argued that the officers had already been in detention for over five months and shouldn’t be sent back behind bars. However, the court stood its ground, ruling that the four men must remain in Kirikiri pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This advice will determine if the state has enough evidence to try them for the killings officially. The charges against the officers fall under Sections 223 and 233 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015). If a prima facie case is established, the defendants could be facing the ultimate penalty for the lives cut short in Owode. Post navigation Seyi Makinde Goes Spiritual as Court Judgment Shakes PDP Foundation PDP UMBRELLA SHAKING, Emergency Meeting as Court Blocks Convention Plans!
