By: Emma Nnadi
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has taken up the case of families seeking justice for traders slain at the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Lagos.
This is as the group, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to quickly intervene and ensure prompt justice for slain traders families.
At a World Press Briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, 17th September, the group’s President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, vowed that CHSR will stop at nothing in pushing for accountability and transparency in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the killings.
The CHSR had alleged that the land grabber, Abiodun Ariori, brought in four police officers from outside Lagos to aid in the brutal attack.
Recall that on Wednesday, the 27th of August,2025 these innocent, armless Nigerian traders were gunned down in cold blood by four happy- trigger policemen amidst armed thugs allegedly mobilized , and sponsored by Mr Abiodun Hakeem Ariori, a notorious land grabber .
CHSR has made key demands which includes:
“The immediate arrest and prosecution of land grabber Abiodun Ariori and the police officers involved in the brutal attack that led to the deaths of the seven traders.
” Seeks for public disclosure of the identities of the four police officers allegedly involved, with full investigation, prosecution, and dismissal if found guilty.
“Calls for adequate compensation and medical support for the families of the slain traders and the injured victims.
” demands permanent protection for the Owode-Onirin Market, with security agencies deployed to prevent further violence”.
CHSR lambasted Lagos state government under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu for their inaction and complicity, demanding the sacking of Mr Lawal Pedro ( SAN) Lagos Attorney General.
At the briefing, families’ of the slain traders were present and pleaded for President Tinubu to intervene in the matter.
The families cried out for justice, with some recounting their ordeals. A brother of one of the slain traders, Arowojobe Adewale, narrated how his sibling, Adebayo Adewale, was murdered during the attack. The families are seeking justice and compensation for their losses.
The Slain Owode-Onirin motor spare parts traders are: Seyi Akinloye, Adeoye Taiwo, Dare Muftau, Aderemi Adeoye,Idowu Temilola and Wale Adebayo.
It must be noted that before the present violence that took the 7 lives of the innocent traders, CHSR had in previous press briefings
” demanded the immediate and unconditional inclusion of the Owode Motor-Spare Part Market Association leadership and duly elected representatives of affected traders in all discussions, negotiations, and decision-making processes concerning the market.
– Called for a transparent compensation framework that guarantees fair and adequate restitution for all affected shop owners and traders, covering the full extent of losses suffered, including shop values, destroyed goods, and lost income.
” emphasized the need for government agencies like the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to be held accountable for their roles in the demolitions, ensuring due process is followed in future enforcement actions.
” demanded a publicly declared commitment from the Lagos State Government to prevent recurrence of such unlawful actions, setting a clear precedent that demolitions without consultation, legal notice, or human consideration will no longer be tolerated.
” demanded that justice must not only be done but seen to be done, highlighting the importance of actively involving the primary victims in determining the market’s fate and redevelopment plans.”
CHSR had remained committed to supporting the affected traders and exploring all legitimate avenues to ensure their voices are amplified and rights respected.
