By: Mandy Park
The Center for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the recent killings in Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market, where seven people were brutally murdered.
The group accused the Lagos State Government of complicity in the killings and demanded an independent probe into the incident.
Addressing the media in Lagos yesterday over the matter, the President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, said that President Bola Tinubu must order an independent probe into the killings, the role of the Nasarawa State Police Command, and the conduct of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
Omotehinse also called for the re-arrest and prosecution of the three policemen and land grabber; Abiodun Ariori in Lagos courts, not in Abuja or elsewhere.
He noted that the Inspector-General of Police must end the practice of transferring cases to shield officers from accountability, stressing that Nigerians deserve a police force that protects, not exterminates.
In a statement by the group “CHSR demands an independent investigation into the killings, the role of the Nasarawa State Police Command, and the conduct of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
” calls for the re-arrest and prosecution of the three policemen and Abiodun Ariori in Lagos counts.
“demands the immediate release of the victims’ bodies to their families without further financial exploitation.
” urges the National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Bar Association, and civil society coalitions to monitor the case and resist attempts to sweep it under the carpet.
The group explained that the Owode-Onirin massacre is a litmus test of Nigeria’s justice system, highlighting state-sanctioned injustice and criminal collaboration between land grabbers and rogue police officers.
CHSR condemned the alleged extortion of huge sums from families of the deceased for post-mortem examinations before releasing their loved ones’ remains.
The group also expressed concern that the police’s decision to transfer the case to Abuja and the release of Abiodun Ariori on bail are evidence of compromise and corruption.”
