A coalition of human rights organisations has thrown its weight behind the ongoing police investigation into the murders of two Ajiran community indigenes, warning against what it described as coordinated attempts to derail justice following the arrest of the prime suspect.
The coalition, led by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), made its position known during a press conference held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, where it emphasized the need for diligence, transparency, and accountability in the prosecution of all those involved in the killings.
The cases in question involve the gruesome murders of Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, which occurred in April 2023 and August 2024 respectively within Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
According to the coalition, Mr. Salami was killed in Moba town, near the Ajiran community, while Prince Akinloye was murdered along the busy Chevron Drive in Lekki — incidents that sparked outrage and sustained advocacy from civil society groups demanding justice.
The organisations noted that their persistent engagement with authorities has contributed to recent breakthroughs in the case, including the arrest of suspects who reportedly confessed to involvement in the crimes and identified key masterminds.
Of particular significance, they said, is the arrest of the prime suspect, Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, who was apprehended on April 15, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, through a coordinated effort involving the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).
Akanbi is currently in custody at the Zone 2 headquarters of the Nigeria Police in Onikan, Lagos.
While commending the Nigeria Police Force for its persistence and professionalism, the coalition stressed that the ultimate test of justice lies in thorough investigation and successful prosecution of all individuals found culpable.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to have been done,” the group stated, emphasizing that the victims’ families and the wider public deserve closure.
However, the coalition raised concerns over what it described as “deliberate and self-serving antics” by certain individuals allegedly posing as civil society actors but working to undermine the investigation.
According to the group, these actors are engaging in campaigns aimed at discrediting the Lagos State Police Command and frustrating efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.
The coalition warned that such actions could mislead the public and weaken confidence in the investigative process, particularly at a critical stage when major suspects have already been apprehended.
It further alleged that some of these efforts include attempts to secure restraining court orders to prevent law enforcement agencies from carrying out arrests and investigations.
Describing such moves as dangerous and counterproductive, the coalition insisted that the police have a constitutional mandate to investigate criminal cases, especially serious offences such as murder.
The group urged the media to exercise caution and professionalism in reporting developments surrounding the case, warning against amplifying narratives that could obstruct justice.
“The media must not fall victim to the shenanigans of those seeking to derail the course of justice,” the coalition stated, stressing the role of journalists as critical stakeholders in the pursuit of truth.
Despite these concerns, the coalition expressed confidence in the progress made so far by the Lagos State Police Command and called on the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, to remain resolute.
It also commended the immediate past Commissioner of Police, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, for his leadership and commitment during the earlier stages of the investigation.
The coalition reiterated that its primary interest remains justice for the victims, their families, and society at large, noting that successful resolution of the cases would significantly strengthen public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
It acknowledged the anxiety within the Ajiran community following the incidents and the ongoing investigation, urging the police to intensify security presence in the area to reassure residents.
The group further called on journalists to continue demanding transparency, clarity, and accountability from the police, emphasizing that sustained media attention is crucial in ensuring that justice is not compromised.
In conclusion, the coalition urged all stakeholders — including civil society organisations, the media, and law enforcement agencies — to resist distractions and remain focused on achieving justice.
It warned that any attempt to shield suspects or obstruct lawful investigation would ultimately undermine the rule of law and public trust.
The press conference was jointly addressed by Comrade Alex Omotehinse, President of CHSR; Comrade Deji Adebowale, National Coordinator of the Centre for Economic and Human Rights Advancement (CEHRA); and Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, Executive Director of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA).
The coalition maintained that the truth must prevail and expressed optimism that the ongoing investigation would lead to justice being served in the interest of the victims, their families, and the Nigerian public.
