Justice must prevail in murder cases of Sheriff Salami, Prince Kazeem Akinloye — Activists

Michael Olumide Alabi

Civil rights activists have called for justice in the murder cases involving Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye of Ajiran Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The activists, who said they had been at the forefront of calls for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those allegedly connected to the killings, made the call while speaking on developments surrounding the cases.

Sheriff Salami was reportedly killed on April 18, 2023, while Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, the first son of the Ojomu of Ajiranland, was killed on August 26, 2024.

The group said it recently paid a solidarity visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, comprising Lagos and Ogun States, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, in recognition of what it described as his efforts toward ensuring that the allegations surrounding the killings were properly investigated.

According to the activists, the visit was also aimed at countering what they described as a “campaign of calumny” allegedly being sponsored by individuals seeking to undermine the investigation and create distrust between the public and the Nigeria Police Force.

The group recalled that AIG Jimoh assumed office as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, on February 18, 2025, and subsequently received a petition from Olarotimi Williams Chambers requesting an investigation into the alleged murders of the two victims in Ajiran Community.

The activists said the then Commissioner of Police approved the petition and directed the command to investigate the allegations.

They further stated that the investigation reportedly resulted in the arrest of two suspects, who allegedly made statements to the police regarding their involvement in the killings.

According to the group, the suspects’ statements allegedly provided information that led investigators to identify a Lagos-based businessman, Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, also known as Ahmed Ajiran or Hamed Tajudeen, as a person allegedly connected to the killings.

The activists claimed that the police subsequently declared the businessman wanted in connection with the case and later arrested him in the Benin Republic.

They, however, acknowledged that the matter is now before the court and stressed the importance of allowing the judicial process to take its course.

“Since the matter is before the court, it would be inappropriate and prejudicial to make definitive comments on the facts of the case or the guilt or otherwise of any individual standing trial,” the group stated.

The activists said they were encouraged by what they described as the continued pursuit of justice, expressing confidence that the relevant authorities would ensure that due process was followed and that justice would ultimately prevail.

They also commended AIG Olohundare Jimoh for what they described as his commitment to professional policing and service to humanity, describing him as one of the officers who had contributed to efforts aimed at maintaining law and order.

The group urged members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid being misled by unverified claims or information circulating on social media concerning the murder cases.

It also appealed to all parties involved to allow investigators, prosecutors and the courts to perform their respective duties without interference, intimidation or undue pressure.

The activists maintained that the families of the deceased deserve justice and that the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Sheriff Salami and Prince Kazeem Akinloye should be thoroughly established through a transparent and credible legal process.

They further called on members of the public to disregard unverified information capable of inflaming tensions or frustrating the ongoing judicial process, stressing that the rule of law remains the most reliable avenue for resolving disputes and ensuring accountability.

The group reiterated its commitment to advocating for justice, human rights and accountability, while urging the authorities to ensure that all persons found culpable after due judicial proceedings are held accountable in accordance with the law.

The activists said the ultimate objective should be to ensure justice for the victims, provide closure for their families and strengthen public confidence in the ability of law enforcement and the judiciary to address serious criminal allegations through due process.