Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to launch an independent investigation into alleged misconduct by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, in the ongoing probe of the murder of Prince Ademola Akinloye and Sheriff Ishola Salami.
The coalition made the demand during a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, expressing concerns that the actions of some officers attached to the SCID’s Delta Force Unit could undermine the integrity of the high-profile murder investigation.
Prince Ademola Akinloye was the son of the Ajiran of Agungi, Oba Tijani Akinloye. His killing, alongside that of Sheriff Ishola Salami, has attracted significant public attention, with growing calls for justice and transparency in the investigation.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the Coordinator of the Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership, Femi Lawson, urged the Inspector-General of Police to scrutinise the conduct of senior officers overseeing the investigation.
According to Lawson, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, as well as officers supervising the D9 and D4 units, should be investigated to determine whether their actions complied with professional policing standards.
“We call on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID alongside officers overseeing the D9 and D4 units. Any personnel found culpable should be identified and sanctioned,” Lawson stated.
The coalition further appealed to the police leadership to ensure that the investigation remains impartial, transparent and free from external influence.
Allegations of Interference
Beyond concerns over the conduct of serving officers, the civil society groups alleged that certain retired police officers were attempting to interfere with the investigation and prosecution of the case.
They urged the police hierarchy to prevent any form of undue influence capable of compromising the judicial process, stressing that justice must not be obstructed by powerful interests.
According to the coalition, allowing external interference could weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system and create the impression that influential individuals can manipulate investigations.
Questions Over Prime Suspect’s Detention
The coalition also called on the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Chief Judge of Lagos State to clarify the custodial status of Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, identified as the prime suspect in the killings.
The groups expressed concern over reports suggesting possible non-compliance with court orders directing that Akanbi be remanded at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre.
“We are concerned about reports of non-compliance with court orders directing the remand of the prime suspect at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre. Immediate clarification is required, while all subsisting court orders should be fully enforced,” the coalition stated.
The organisations maintained that adherence to court orders is fundamental to the rule of law and urged all relevant authorities to ensure that judicial directives are respected.
CSOs Defend AIG Jimoh
While raising concerns over aspects of the investigation, the coalition strongly defended the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, dismissing allegations of corruption, abuse of office and bias levelled against him.
The groups described the allegations circulating against the senior police officer as politically motivated and lacking factual basis.
According to the coalition, an independent review of available records showed no evidence supporting claims that Jimoh had compromised the investigation.
“We categorically reject recent allegations accusing AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh of corruption, bias or abuse of office,” the coalition stated.
“After reviewing official records and documented proceedings, we found the claims to be baseless, reckless and intentionally misleading.”
The CSOs added that the AIG’s actions reflected professionalism and adherence to due process throughout the handling of the case.
“There is no credible evidence to support the allegations. Rather, the AIG’s actions demonstrate discipline, professionalism and fidelity to the law,” the statement added.
Fresh Investigation Ordered
The coalition disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police ordered a fresh investigation into the matter in January following a petition submitted by members of the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family.
According to the organisations, the renewed investigation led to the emergence of fresh evidence that strengthened the prosecution’s case.
The evidence reportedly includes eyewitness testimonies, confessional statements from suspects already in custody, and other corroborating materials allegedly linking additional individuals to the planning and execution of the murders.
“The renewed investigation yielded eyewitness testimony, confessional statements from arrested suspects, and corroborative evidence suggesting financial sponsorship and orchestration of the killings,” the coalition said.
The groups noted that the development demonstrated the importance of allowing investigators to complete their work without political or external pressure.
Arrest Followed Due Process
Addressing concerns surrounding the arrest of Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, the coalition insisted that law enforcement agencies acted strictly within the provisions of the law.
It explained that the arrest followed valid court orders and involved collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), suggesting that established legal procedures were observed.
According to the coalition, attempts to portray the arrest as unlawful are inconsistent with available documentation and judicial records.
Call for Justice
The civil society organisations reiterated that justice must ultimately prevail for the families of the deceased.
They stressed that no individual, regardless of political influence, financial status or social standing, should be shielded from prosecution if found culpable.
“Justice must be served for Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye. No suspect, regardless of influence, should evade accountability, while law enforcement agencies must be allowed to perform their duties free from intimidation or manipulation,” the coalition declared.
They also urged Nigerians to support lawful investigations and resist attempts to politicise criminal cases involving loss of lives.
Coalition Members
The statement was jointly endorsed by several civil society organisations, including the Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, Centre for Physically Challenged and Human Rights, Campaign Against Impunity, Campaign for Dignity in Governance, Care and Justice for Women and Children, Mekunukoya, and Voice of the Masdes.
Collectively, the organisations said their intervention was aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law within Nigeria’s justice system.
Police Yet to Respond
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Lagos State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Calls placed to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, were not answered, while a text message seeking comments had not received a response.
The silence from the police command leaves several questions raised by the coalition unanswered, particularly regarding the allegations against SCID officers and the custodial status of the prime suspect.
Observers say the outcome of any investigation ordered by the Inspector-General of Police will be closely watched, as it could shape public confidence in the handling of one of Lagos’ most sensitive murder cases.
As pressure mounts from civil society groups and the public, attention now turns to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant institutions to determine whether the calls for accountability, transparency and justice will result in concrete action.
Sources: Punch Newspapers, Nigeria Police Force
