The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights has cried out against the handling of the Owode-Onirin motor spare parts market killings, describing recent developments as a disgraceful drama of impunity and abuse of state power.
In a statement by its President, Alex Omotehinse, the group condemned the release of three policemen linked to the murder of seven traders and the bail granted to alleged land grabber, Abiodun Ariori, said to have masterminded the attack.
Omotehinse said, “The Nigeria Police Force has once again chosen the path of cover-up and selective justice, transferring the implicated officers to Abuja instead of trying them in Lagos, an orchestrated attempt to shield them from public scrutiny and deny the victims’ families justice.”
He further described the police’s claim of self-defence during the trial as a mockery of justice.
“The so-called orderly room trial that freed the officers on flimsy claims of self-defence is a mockery of justice. Self-defence cannot be claimed against unarmed traders defending their shops and livelihoods.”
The rights group alleged that the police deliberately failed to challenge Ariori’s bail application, calling it clear evidence of collusion, while also condemning reports that families of the victims were being forced to pay for post-mortems before reclaiming their loved ones’ remains.
“Exploiting grief is barbaric, inhuman, and unacceptable. A reinforcement of the perception that justice in Lagos is for sale to the rich and politically connected, Omotehinse added.”
The CHSR, however, demanded the immediate re-arrest and prosecution of the three officers and Ariori in Lagos, a federal probe into the killings, an end to police impunity, and independent oversight of the case by human rights bodies and the Nigerian Bar Association.
Omotehinse further added, “The blood of the Owode-Onirin victims cries for justice. Lagos cannot claim to be a centre of excellence while tolerating state-sponsored land grabbing, police killings, and judicial compromise. Justice delayed is justice denied. Justice denied is democracy betrayed.”
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