The Lagos Police have declared businessman Abiodun Ariori wanted over a violent clash at Owode Onirin.
Three people died, a police inspector was injured, and officers linked to him face trial.
The Lagos State Police Command has declared businessman Abiodun Ariori, the Chief Executive Officer of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited, wanted in connection with the violent clash that erupted between traders and suspected land grabbers in the Owode Onirin area of the state.
According to a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Ariori is being sought for his alleged involvement in the disturbance, which reportedly claimed three lives. The incident also left a police inspector seriously injured, with authorities expressing concern about his condition.
To restore order, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a combined team from the operations department to the troubled community. Police operatives have since been stationed at the scene to prevent a recurrence of the crisis. Residents say the heavy deployment has returned relative calm, though tensions remain high.
The Command urged Ariori to surrender to law enforcement immediately. In addition, the Commissioner ordered an orderly room trial for four police officers allegedly brought into Lagos by the suspect. The officers are being investigated for their roles in the unrest.
Meanwhile, the police also addressed speculations surrounding another violent episode at Balogun Market, where reports initially suggested ethnic motives. The Command dismissed those claims, insisting the disturbance was a brawl among hoodlums rather than a tribal conflict.
Police explained that the fight involved Ebuka Adindu, from Abia State, who stabbed Sodiq Ibrahim, from Kogi State, fatally. In the same melee, Adindu reportedly turned the knife on himself, sustaining serious injuries before collapsing. He is currently receiving treatment in a hospital under police guard and will face prosecution upon recovery.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement while investigations continue. The Command stressed that those responsible for the violence will face justice, regardless of status or affiliation.
