In a statement released on Friday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, responded to a publication titled “Is Lagos State Shielding Killers?”, which criticised the handling of the August 27, 2025 incident involving Inspector Manu Bala and four other police officers.

Pedro described the report as “false, misleading and not supported by facts,” maintaining that no prima facie case was established against the suspects based on evidence submitted by the Lagos State Police Command.

He explained that the police, under Section 74 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, sent the case file to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice after initial investigations.

After reviewing witness statements, suspects’ accounts, and other documents, the ministry concluded that there was no direct evidence linking the accused officers to the deaths of the six traders.

According to him, there was no eyewitness testimony confirming that the policemen shot the victims, despite the incident reportedly taking place in a busy market environment.

Pedro added that available findings suggested traders allegedly attacked the police during a land dispute, during which one officer, Inspector Jibrin, was disarmed and his rifle reportedly used by a trader to fire shots. He also noted that the inspector was assaulted and later hospitalized.

He further stated that the only civilian suspect arrested was later confirmed not to have been present at the scene.

Due to the gravity of the case, the ministry initially held back a “no case to answer” opinion and ordered further investigation. On October 30, 2025, it requested key materials including autopsy reports, ballistic analysis, and firearm examination results.

However, he said the police failed to submit the requested documents within 45 days, despite a reminder sent on December 17, 2025, while the suspects remained in detention and were denied bail.

After about six months without additional evidence, the ministry issued its legal advice on March 3, 2026, stating that no prima facie case had been made against the suspects.

The advice recommended withdrawal of charges of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter under Sections 411 and 224 of the Lagos Criminal Law due to insufficient evidence.

Pedro, however, stressed that the matter is not closed and could be reopened if new evidence emerges, noting that criminal prosecution has no time limit.

He disclosed that provisional post-mortem and ballistic reports were later submitted by the police after the legal advice was issued and are currently under review for possible further action.

Defending the decision, he said refusing to prosecute without adequate evidence is a legal and ethical duty, not an attempt to protect anyone.

He added that justice must balance the interests of victims, suspects, and society, warning against allowing emotion or speculation to drive criminal prosecution.

Pedro reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rule of law, insisting that all decisions on prosecution will continue to be guided strictly by credible evidence and due process.

The incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. on April 22, 2026, when fire broke out in a residential building within the quarters. Preliminary reports suggest the blaze may have been caused by a gas cylinder explosion, which quickly spread to a nearby structure.

In a statement issued by Captain AA Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the Navy said personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship WEY, working alongside the Naval Ordnance Depot (NOD), promptly deployed two fire trucks to the scene.

He noted that the swift intervention helped bring the fire under control and prevented it from spreading further before the arrival of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

According to the statement, two buildings were affected and some property was destroyed, but no casualties were recorded.

The Navy commended the quick response, discipline, and professionalism of its personnel, adding that their actions averted what could have become a major disaster. It also stressed the importance of fire safety awareness and strict adherence to preventive measures.

The Nigerian Navy further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting civil authorities with logistics and emergency response capabilities whenever required to safeguard lives and property.