A coalition of human rights organisations has urged the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and his team to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the prosecution of those found culpable in the murders of Mr Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye.
Salami, a youth leader in Ojomu community in Eti Osa Local Council of Lagos State, was killed on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Moba town adjacent to Ajiran. Prince Akinloye, son of His Royal Highness, Oba Akinloye Tijani Sateru II of Ajiran Land, was murdered on Monday, August 26, 2024.
A few days ago, the Lagos State Police Command declared a 38-year-old businessman, Ahmed Akanbi, wanted for his alleged involvement in the two murder cases.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, said the declaration followed the arrest and confessional statements of two principal suspects, Safiu Fatai, also known as Fabo, 40, and Yusuf Ismaila, also known as Bariga. They were apprehended on January 24, 2026, and February 6, 2026, respectively, and allegedly linked Akanbi to the killings.
At a joint press conference organised by the Centre for Human & Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) and Centre for Economic and Human Rights Advancement (CEHRA), the President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, said recent developments in the investigation.
Made it necessary to convey the deep public concern generated by the murders to the police authorities.
“We implore the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and his team to remain steadfast in ensuring that the cases are conclusively resolved and that those responsible face the full weight of the law,” he said.
He added that resolving the cases would strengthen public confidence in the police as the country’s foremost law
enforcement institution. He acknowledged the arrests made so far and the decision to declare key suspects and alleged co-conspirators wanted.
“We expect a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incidents, reassure Lagosians and Nigerians of their safety, and deter similar crimes,” he said.
Omotehinse expressed optimism that justice would prevail in the public interest.
“In view of the sensitive nature of the investigation and the anxiety it has generated, we have urged the Commissioner of Police to deploy adequate security and enhance vigilance in and around Ajiran community to reassure residents and stakeholders while investigations continue,” he added.
He also called on the media to seek clarifications from the police, whom he described as the appropriate authority on criminal investigations.
“We are confident that you will not be swayed by distractions, denials or misleading narratives intended to undermine the steps already taken by the Lagos State Police Command to apprehend those responsible,” he said.
