Stakeholders rally behind AIG Jimoh, describe corruption allegations as false, misleading

Michael Olumide Alabi

Fresh official records and growing support from civil society groups and stakeholders have contradicted allegations of corruption and abuse of office levelled against the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 2, Lagos, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, over his handling of the investigation into the murder of two Ajiran princes.

The allegations were made publicly by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who described the senior police officer as “extremely corrupt” and accused him of frustrating justice in the high-profile murder case. VDM also challenged the AIG to institute criminal defamation proceedings if the allegations were false.

However, documents obtained by our correspondent indicate that AIG Jimoh’s actions throughout the investigation were carried out in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and were backed by official investigative procedures and court orders.

Findings further revealed what sources described as coordinated efforts by certain interests to discredit the senior police officer following his decision to reopen the investigation and pursue suspects linked to the killings.

According to the findings, several influential individuals allegedly mounted pressure on Jimoh to abandon the investigation, citing instances where previous police commissioners allegedly declined to pursue the matter. When such efforts failed, it was gathered that some persons allegedly resorted to media campaigns and enlisted social media influencers to portray the AIG in a negative light.

Central to the controversy is a detailed memorandum dated April 22, signed by AIG Jimoh and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police. The memo was prepared in response to a petition filed by A.O. Ajulo & Partners, legal representatives of businessman and murder suspect, Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi.

The memo provides a chronological account of the police investigation and addresses allegations that the case was reopened without justification.

Contrary to claims that the AIG acted on personal interest, the document states that the investigation was reopened following a petition submitted on January 7, 2026, by Chief Rotimi Williams’ Chambers on behalf of the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family of Ajiran, alleging that the killings of Prince Ademola Akinloye and Sheriff Ishola Salami had not been properly resolved.

Following the petition, the Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police, Commissioner of Police Lateef Adio Ahmed, conveyed the IGP’s directive on January 8, instructing Jimoh, who was then the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, to investigate the allegations.

The memo also disputes claims that businessman Hammed Akanbi was declared wanted without credible evidence.

According to the investigation records, police obtained statements from five complainants and witnesses, including the widow of one of the victims, who narrated how her husband was attacked, shot and repeatedly machete-cut while attempting to escape.

The case file also contains statements from two arrested suspects, Shafi Fatai, also known as Fabo, and Yusuf Ismaila, popularly called Bariga, who allegedly confessed during police interrogation that Akanbi financed both killings, allegedly paying sums of N2 million and N3 million respectively.

The document further references testimony from a community witness who claimed to have recorded a telephone conversation in which Akanbi allegedly sought assistance in securing the release of the arrested suspects and the withdrawal of the murder charges in exchange for the release of disputed community land. According to the witness, the recording was presented to the investigating officer.

Official court documents attached to the memo also challenge claims that Akanbi was declared wanted without judicial approval.

The records show that Magistrate Court 3 sitting in Ogba, Ikeja, granted police permission on February 16, 2026, to arrest and remand Akanbi for 14 days while investigations continued.

Although that order was subsequently set aside on procedural grounds relating to the legal representative who obtained it, another magistrate later directed that Akanbi should report to the police within 48 hours of his return to Nigeria.

The memo also notes that the Federal High Court in Lagos later issued a separate warrant of arrest on April 10, 2026, authorising security agencies to secure Akanbi’s appearance in connection with investigations into allegations of conspiracy and murder. The Federal High Court order remains valid.

Addressing allegations that he maintained personal contact with Akanbi after his arrest, AIG Jimoh categorically denied any such interaction.

According to the memo, Akanbi was arrested by INTERPOL authorities in Benin Republic on April 15 before being handed over to INTERPOL Nigeria and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos, pending transfer to Zone 2 Command.

Jimoh explained that his involvement was limited to coordinating with INTERPOL offices in Abuja and Lagos to facilitate Akanbi’s return to Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has publicly commended AIG Jimoh for what it described as his professionalism and commitment to justice during the investigation.

In a letter signed by its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, the organisation praised the AIG’s leadership while serving as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, stating that the arrest of Akanbi and other suspects, as well as the subsequent arraignment, had restored public confidence in the police investigation.

The group, however, expressed concern over the conduct of some operatives attached to the Delta Force Unit of the SCID, Panti, alleging that some officers appeared to have shown bias in favour of the defendants during ongoing court proceedings.

It urged the police hierarchy to ensure strict professionalism, neutrality and adherence to due process to safeguard the integrity of the prosecution.

The murder case involving Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, Shafi Fatai and Yusuf Ismaila remains before the courts for determination.