The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five policemen suspected of aiding a notorious land grabber, Abiodun Ariori, in a violent invasion that led to the deaths of five traders and multiple injuries at the Owode Onirin Market in Ikorodu.
The incident, which erupted amid a long-standing land dispute, has sparked outrage over alleged police complicity in escalating tensions between developers and dislodged traders.
According to police reports, Ariori, who has been declared wanted by authorities, stormed the disputed site with armed accomplices to resume construction work following the prior demolition of shops and buildings in the market.
The move was met with fierce resistance from affected traders, resulting in a chaotic clash that claimed the lives of five individuals: Adewale Onimoma (32), Salawu Mufutau (30), Taiye Adeoye (34), and two others yet to be identified.
Several others were injured, including one of the arrested officers, Inspector Jibrin Samaila, who is in critical condition at a hospital.
The five policemen under investigation—Inspector Banu Bala, Inspector Ahmed Abass, Corporal Ibrahim Garba, Corporal Ibrahim Kasimu (all attached to 58 PMF Lafia, Nasarawa State), and Inspector Jibrin Samaila (attached to 20 PMF Ikeja)—are accused of providing support to Ariori during the invasion.
The arrests were made following intelligence that linked the officers to the land grabber’s operations, highlighting concerns about internal corruption within the force.
The Commissioner of Police for Lagos State personally led reinforcements to the scene, restoring normalcy after the violence.
In a statement, the command emphasized its commitment to a thorough investigation, vowing to uncover the full extent of any collusion.
“We are conducting a comprehensive probe into this unfortunate incident to ensure justice for the victims and hold all involved accountable,” a police spokesperson said.
The Owode Onirin Market has been a hotspot for land disputes, with previous demolitions displacing numerous traders and fueling resentment.
Ariori, described as a repeat offender in such cases, remains at large, and police have urged the public to provide information leading to his arrest.
Community leaders and trader associations have condemned the violence, calling for stronger measures to resolve land conflicts peacefully and prevent future escalations.
As investigations continue, the incident underscores broader challenges in Lagos, where rapid urbanization often leads to contentious land grabs, sometimes involving security personnel.
The families of the deceased are demanding swift justice, while authorities promise that no one will be spared regardless of their position.
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