By Ajibola Adedoye
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has condemned the killing of at least five traders during a violent attack at the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Lagos. The group has called for the immediate arrest of a notorious land grabber, Mr. Abiodun Hakeem Ariori, and several top state officials allegedly complicit in the tragedy.
According to CHSR, the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 27, when armed thugs and allegedly hired police officers invaded the popular market, shooting indiscriminately and destroying property. Several traders were seriously injured and are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
The rights group claims the attack followed the illegal demolition of over 1,000 shops at the market—a matter which is still pending before the Lagos High Court. Despite the legal proceedings, Mr. Ariori allegedly took matters into his own hands, using force and intimidation to displace traders.
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State Government Accused of Inaction
CHSR President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, accused the Lagos State Government of enabling the violence through months of silence and inaction. He noted that traders had submitted multiple petitions, protest letters, and SOS appeals to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State House of Assembly, all of which were ignored.
“The state government is culpable,” Omotehinse said at a press conference on Friday. “The inaction of state institutions emboldened the land grabbers and paved the way for this carnage.”
Police Officers Allegedly Involved
CHSR also raised serious concerns about the involvement of four police officers who were allegedly brought in from another state by Mr. Ariori to assist in the attack.
“The Nigeria Police has tried to downplay their role, but the questions remain—where did these officers come from, who are they, and who authorised their operation?” Omotehinse asked.
The group has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Zone 2; and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, to launch a transparent investigation and ensure those officers are prosecuted if found guilty.
Attorney General Under Fire
In a more damning revelation, CHSR accused the Lagos State Attorney General, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, of aiding Mr. Ariori through inaction and tacit support. The group alleges that Mr. Pedro convened meetings with stakeholders and reached agreements that were later violated by Ariori without any consequences.
“It is unacceptable that a state’s chief law officer would be associated with such blatant lawlessness. He must be removed from office,” Omotehinse demanded.
Shina Loremikan, a human rights activist, condemned the extrajudicial killing in Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market, stressing that it is never the duty of government to permit or condone such acts. He emphasized that the legislative, executive, and judicial arms of government all have a duty to uphold justice and prevent any obstruction, regardless of whether the offender is a law enforcement officer, politician, or businessman.
He noted that extrajudicial killings violate Nigeria’s Constitution (1999, as amended), which requires due process before any death sentence, as well as international human rights instruments like the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
Loremikan warned that such killings tarnish Nigeria’s image, discourage foreign investment, and endanger citizens’ safety. He urged that the incident must mark the last time security forces kill under any guise, warning that ignoring it would only embolden further abuses in other communities.
CHSR Issues List of Demands
The CHSR outlined the following demands at the press briefing:
- Immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr. Abiodun Hakeem Ariori for murder and illegal demolition.
- Full disclosure and prosecution of the four police officers allegedly involved.
- Removal of Attorney General Lawal Pedro SAN for alleged complicity.
- Compensation and medical support for victims and affected families.
- Deployment of security forces to protect the Owode Onirin Market.
- An end to government silence and cover-ups on land grabbing issues.
“No to Land Grabbing, No to Bloodshed”
CHSR described the Owode incident as “a dark chapter in Lagos State’s history” and vowed to stand with the market traders until justice is served.
“This tragedy reflects state failure, police complicity, and elite protection of criminality,” said Omotehinse. “We say no to land grabbing, no to state complicity, and no to bloodshed. Justice must prevail.”
The group urged civil society, the media, and the general public to hold the government accountable and ensure that the perpetrators do not escape justice.
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