Ladipo Market Leader Faces Murder Over Trader’s Death

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

Chief Monday Lawrence, one of the leaders of Ladipo Auto Spare parts market at Mushin, arrested over the violent clash that resulted in the death of a trader, Anene Otasi in the market will now face murder trial over his involvement in Lagos.
This followed the outcome of the report of the Directorate of the Public Prosecution, DPP advice On Thursday which stated that  Lawrence was culpable and should be tried for murder.
Early this year, there was a bloody clash at the Odo Aladura section of Ladipo market over attempts to demolish hundreds of shops in the market by some thugs.
The traders mobilized and resisted the attempt and chased the thugs away.
During the mayhem, many traders were injured and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.
The late Otasi was brutally attacked with cutlass and shot in the head by thugs allegedly led by Lawrence.
Enugu State-born Otasi who was the only son of his parents was rushed to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH where he eventually died.
His death caused more crises in the whole Ladipo market as more properties were destroyed and Lawrence supporters were chased away from the market.
The crises continued before the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni restored peace there and ordered arrest of Lawrence.
Lawrence was later arrested and charged before Igbosere Magistrate court with the alleged violence and death of Otasi at the market.
His plea was not taken, rather the court remanded in prison custody and sent his file to DPP for advice.
Following the DPP report, the matter was transferred to the State High Court where Lawrence will now face murder charge with his other accomplice now at large.
Traders at the market expressed their satisfaction on the development and said there was every need to bring those who murdered Otasi to justice.