Four police officers have been sacked for their involvement in the killing of seven traders in Lagos. The officers, identified as Inspector Fabiyi Omomoyowa, Sergeant Olaniyi Solomon, Sergeant Solomon Sunday, and Corporal Aliyu Mukaila, were dismissed after an investigation into the August 19, 2019, incident on Ipaye Street, Iba, Lagos ¹.
The officers had shot and killed the traders, Ayodele Solaja and Ogheneovo Ebobo, who were allegedly mistaken for armed robbers. The incident sparked outrage, with families of the victims accusing the police of extrajudicial killing.
According to reports, the officers had been conducting surveillance on suspected armed robbers and mistakenly shot the traders. The victims were taken to the police station, where they died from gunshot injuries.
The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, initially advised that the officers had no case to answer, claiming they acted in self-defense. However, this decision was later overturned, and the officers were dismissed.
The families of the victims have been seeking justice, with some accusing the police of trying to cover up the incident. The case highlights concerns about police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria.
The Lagos State Police Command has assured that it will continue to investigate and prosecute officers involved in misconduct.
