CHSR Condemns Owode Market Killings, Demands Arrest of Alleged Land Grabber Hakeem Ariori and Complicit Officials

 


Lagos, August 29, 2025 — The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has strongly condemned the killing of at least four traders at the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Lagos State, allegedly by thugs and police officers linked to a notorious land grabber, Mr. Abiodun Hakeem Ariori.


Speaking at a press conference held today, Friday, August 29, the CHSR described the incident as a "massacre" and a gross failure of the state government and its security apparatus to protect lives and uphold justice.


According to the group, the violence occurred on Wednesday, August 27, when armed thugs and four policemen, allegedly acting on the orders of Mr. Ariori, stormed the market. The attack, which followed the controversial demolition of over 1,000 shops, left at least four traders dead and several others critically injured.



“The matter was already before the Lagos High Court. Yet, instead of waiting for the court’s decision, Mr. Ariori chose violence and impunity,” the CHSR stated, accusing him of hiding under state protection to terrorise traders.


Lagos State Government Accused of Complicity


The CHSR held the Lagos State Government partly responsible, citing months of ignored petitions, protest letters, and SOS appeals sent by the traders and human rights groups. They said their calls for intervention were disregarded by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State House of Assembly, allowing the situation to escalate to bloodshed.


“The government’s silence and inaction emboldened the land grabbers,” the group stated. “This is not just failure; it is complicity.”


Questions Raised About Police Involvement


The organization also raised serious concerns about the involvement of police officers allegedly brought in from another state to support the operation. CHSR is demanding answers from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, including the identities, ranks, and authorizations of the officers involved.



“These officers must be investigated and prosecuted. Their role in this carnage cannot be swept under the carpet,” the CHSR emphasized.


Attorney General Under Fire


In a scathing critique, the CHSR accused the Lagos State Attorney General, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, of enabling Ariori’s actions by convening meetings, making verbal commitments, and then failing to act when resolutions were blatantly violated.


“He has become, knowingly or not, a legal cover for criminality,” CHSR said, demanding his immediate removal from office.


CHSR's Demands


The group outlined six key demands:


1. Immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr. Abiodun Hakeem Ariori for murder, illegal demolition, and acts of terrorism.



2. Public identification and prosecution of the four police officers involved.



3. Immediate removal of Attorney General Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN for complicity and enabling lawlessness.



4. Full compensation and medical support for victims’ families and injured traders.



5. Permanent deployment of security personnel to protect Owode Onirin Market.



6. An end to state silence and cover-ups in matters involving violence and land grabbing.




A Call for Justice


“The Owode Onirin massacre is a dark chapter in Lagos State’s history,” the CHSR said in closing. “It reflects state failure, police complicity, and elite protection of criminality. But Mr. Hakeem Ariori must not escape justice. We say no to land grabbing, no to state complicity, and no to bloodshed. Justice must prevail.”


The CHSR vowed to continue supporting the affected traders and to pursue justice through every lawful avenue available.

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