CSOs demand justice in Ajiran killings, dismisses corruption claims against AIG Jimoh

Michael Olumide Alabi 

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has strongly defended the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, against allegations of corruption and abuse of office in connection with the investigation into the killings of Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye in Ajiran, Lagos State.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the coalition described the allegations against the senior police officer as “baseless, reckless and deliberately misleading,” insisting that the renewed investigation under his supervision was conducted professionally, lawfully and in strict compliance with directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police.

The coalition, led by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) alongside several other advocacy groups, said it convened the briefing to counter what it described as an orchestrated campaign of misinformation aimed at discrediting the investigation and portraying the principal murder suspect, Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, as a victim.

According to the organisations, the development represents a dangerous attempt to manipulate public opinion, undermine the justice process and erode confidence in law enforcement institutions.

Providing a chronology of events, the coalition explained that following concerns over the pace of investigations into the murders, a formal petition was submitted on January 7, 2026, on behalf of the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family.

The Inspector-General of Police subsequently directed a comprehensive review of the matter on January 8, 2026, assigning the then Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, now AIG Zone 2, Moshood Jimoh, to oversee a renewed investigation.

According to the coalition, the investigation recorded significant breakthroughs, including eyewitness testimonies, confessional statements from arrested suspects and evidence allegedly linking individuals to the planning and sponsorship of the attacks.

The coalition further stated that the arrest of Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi followed due legal process and was backed by valid orders obtained from both the Magistrate Court and the Federal High Court in Lagos.

It added that international collaboration through INTERPOL facilitated the suspect’s apprehension and return to Nigeria.

The organisations maintained that available records show that AIG Jimoh acted within the law and discharged his responsibilities with professionalism, transparency and integrity throughout the investigation.

While commending the AIG’s leadership, the coalition expressed concern over what it described as credible reports of unprofessional conduct by some operatives attached to the Delta Force Unit at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba.

It alleged that actions by certain officers could potentially compromise the integrity of the investigation and called on the Inspector-General of Police to institute a thorough investigation into the conduct of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, as well as officers supervising the D9 and D4 units.

According to the coalition, any personnel found to have interfered with the investigation or acted unprofessionally should face appropriate disciplinary measures.

The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as the silence of the current Commissioner of Police in Lagos State regarding the matter, urging the police leadership to provide clarity on the progress of the investigation.

It further called on the Inspector-General of Police to issue directives restraining retired officers, including CSP Yetunde Cardoso (rtd.) and CSP Ejiofor, from allegedly interfering in the investigation or prosecution of the case.

The organisations stressed that the integrity of the criminal justice process must be protected from both official and unofficial influence.

The coalition also raised concerns over the implementation of court orders relating to the custodial remand of the principal suspect at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre.

It appealed to the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Chief Judge of Lagos State to clarify the suspect’s custodial status and ensure full compliance with all subsisting court directives.

The groups further called for an investigation into alleged unprofessional conduct within correctional facilities, warning that any failure to comply with lawful court orders could undermine judicial authority and public confidence in the justice system.

Reaffirming their position, the coalition insisted that justice must be served for the late Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye, stressing that no suspect should evade accountability regardless of status or influence.

The organisations also demanded transparency regarding the custodial status of the prime suspect, strict enforcement of all court orders, disciplinary action against any officer found compromising the investigation and stronger institutional safeguards to prevent interference by serving or retired security personnel.

The coalition concluded that the Ajiran killings case has become a critical test of Nigeria’s justice system and the ability of public institutions to uphold the rule of law.

It pledged to continue monitoring developments until justice is delivered, declaring that truth, accountability and respect for due process must prevail over misinformation and external influence.

The statement was jointly signed by Femi Lawnson of the Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership (CACL); Olatunde Owoeye-Wise of the Centre for Physically Challenged and Human Rights (CPCHR); Balogun Adewale of Mekunukoya; Razaq Olokoba of the Campaign for Dignity in Governance; Comrade Shina Loremikan of the Campaign Against Impunity; Comrade Ewajane Osowo of the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR); Mrs. Kehinde Jones of Care and Justice for Women and Children; and Suleiman Ibrahim of Voice of the Masdes.