INTERPOL arrests alleged fugitive businessman in Benin Republic

Fleeing Lagos businessman accused of killing Prince Ademola Akinloye and Sheriff Ishola Salami in seperate incidents has been arrested in Benin Republic by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).

The suspect, Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, who was declared wanted by the police on February 19, was handed over to the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Zone 2, Onikan, yesterday, following his arrest on April 15.

He was also accused of willful destruction of property and allegedly sending assasins to Ajiran community where the prince was killed in cold blood.

Addressing a press conference at the Zonal Headquarters in Onikan, yesterday, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, Akanbi, 38, was arrested in a hotel in Cotonou after months of tracking by the INTERPOL.

The AIG said since Akanbi was declared wanted following his alleged involvement in violent crimes in Lagos, he had fled to different countries to evade arrest.

Jimoh said his arrest followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to reopen and conclude investigations into the killings, as well as other related cases that had caused tension in parts of Lagos.

“This case involves multiple murders, attempted murders, and destruction of lives and property spanning several years. The suspect, Ahmed Akanbi, was earlier declared wanted alongside other accomplices, Safiu Fatai, Yusuf Ismaila, Soji Mascot, and one Kenny,’’ he said.

“I can confirm to you that he has now been arrested by INTERPOL operatives in Benin Republic and handed over to INTERPOL Nigeria, and today he was handed to us at Zone 2 command. Investigations will be concluded before he is charged to court,” said the AIG.

Jimoh explained that the case gained renewed attention following a petition to the Inspector General of Police, which prompted a fresh and discreet investigation into the killings in the Ojomu community of Lagos.

According to him, preliminary findings revealed that some of the arrested accomplices had confessed to carrying out the killings on the instructions of the suspect, who allegedly financed the operations.

Providing details of the incidents, the AIG said Sheriff Ishola was murdered on April 18, 2023, while Prince Ademola Akinloye was killed on August 26, 2024, both in the Eti-Osa axis of Lagos, in attacks described as coordinated and premeditated.

He explained that previous Commissioners of Police (CPs) in Lagos had made significant progress in the investigation, noting that new evidence later emerged linking the suspect more directly to the crimes.

Jimoh cautioned against misinformation and attempts to politicise the case, insisting that the police would ensure justice was served.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring that no individual, regardless of status, escapes justice. We will follow due process and ensure that all those involved are prosecuted,” he said.

The AIG appealed to individuals affected by the suspect’s alleged activities to come forward with evidence to aid ongoing investigations, urging victims who might have suffered losses, including destruction of property, criminal interference with investments, personal harm, or attempted murder, to report their cases without fear.

According to him, complaints can be submitted directly to his office, the AIG in charge of Special Operations, or Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos states, assuring that all reported cases would be thoroughly investigated.

Also speaking, the CP INTERPOL, Fidelis Ogarabe, said the suspect’s arrest was made possible through international collaboration.

He explained that INTERPOL operatives in Nigeria received intelligence about the suspect’s location in Cotonou and promptly deployed a team to effect his arrest.

“Our counterparts in Benin Republic cooperated fully. After due processes, the suspect was handed over to our team and brought back to Nigeria. We have now transferred him to the AIG in charge of the case for continuation of investigation,” he said.

Ogarabe added that items recovered from the suspect, including travel documents, mobile phones, and a luxury vehicle, would aid ongoing investigations.