CHSR Condemns Killing of Owode Motor Spare Parts Traders, Demands Arrest of Land Grabber Ariori, Complicit Officials
By Oluwaseun Adeola Oluwole
LAGOS — The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has strongly condemned the killing of traders at the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market, Lagos, allegedly carried out by armed thugs and policemen working for a notorious land grabber, Mr. Abiodun Hakeem Ariori.
The rights group, during a press conference held in Lagos on Friday, described the killings as “barbaric, avoidable, and a shameful reflection of state failure, police complicity, and elite protection of criminality.”
According to CHSR, at least four innocent traders were killed on Wednesday, August 27, while several others were left with life-threatening injuries, after Ariori allegedly mobilised thugs and policemen to unleash terror on the market.
This incident, the group noted, came after the earlier demolition of over 1,000 shops at the market despite the case being pending before the Lagos High Court.
“Instead of allowing the legal process to run its course, Ariori has chosen violence and intimidation, hiding under state protection to terrorise hardworking citizens,” CHSR President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, stated.
Lagos Government’s Inaction
CHSR squarely blamed the Lagos State Government for complicity, saying repeated cries for help by the traders were ignored.
The group recalled that letters, petitions, and Save-Our-Soul (SOS) appeals had been sent to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State House of Assembly but were disregarded.
“Even after peaceful protests and a formal petition submitted at the Assembly, the state failed to act. This silence emboldened the land grabbers and paved the way for this bloodshed,” Omotehinse said.
Police Complicity Alleged
The group also accused the police of aiding the attack, pointing to the confirmed involvement of four policemen allegedly brought in from outside Lagos by Ariori.
“Though the Nigeria Police has tried to downplay this, the key questions remain: From which state were these officers brought? Who are they? What are their ranks? Who authorised this illegal duty?” CHSR queried, demanding that Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, AIG Zone 2, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh immediately investigate and prosecute the officers.
Attorney-General Under Fire
The Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, was also accused of aiding Ariori.
CHSR alleged that Ariori constantly boasts of the Attorney-General’s backing, claiming his actions are taken with Mr. Pedro’s full knowledge.
“The Attorney-General convened meetings, reached resolutions, and then turned a blind eye when Ariori violated them with impunity. By doing so, he has betrayed his oath of office and the cause of justice. We demand his immediate removal,” Omotehinse declared.
Victims’ Families Cry for Justice
Relatives of the slain traders, speaking at the briefing, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene.
Mr. Shina Oloremikan, a community leader, said:
“Everyone deserves justice and it should not be obstructed. Extrajudicial killings are a violation of Nigerian law and humanity itself.”
Another family member wept as he recounted how “young adult lives were cut short at Owode Onirin by trigger-happy policemen working with a land grabber and his thugs.”
They joined CHSR in demanding not only the prosecution of Ariori and his collaborators but also the removal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Owode Onirin Police Station for allegedly failing to protect the traders.
CHSR’s Demands
The group listed its demands as follows:
- Immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr. Abiodun Hakeem Ariori for murder, unlawful demolition, and acts of terrorism.
- Public disclosure and prosecution of the four police officers involved.
- Removal of Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN.
- Compensation and medical support for victims’ families and survivors.
- Deployment of security forces to permanently protect Owode Onirin Market.
- An end to cover-ups and inaction by state institutions.
“Justice Must Prevail”
Omotehinse concluded that the killings at Owode Onirin will go down as a dark chapter in Lagos history, vowing that CHSR will not relent until justice is done.
“We say no to land grabbing, no to state complicity, and no to bloodshed. Justice must prevail,” he declared.
No comments