Lagos police arrest two suspects over Ajiran princes’ murder

The Ajiran community earlier endorsed police investigation into the murders that occurred in February 2023 and August 2024, accusing a businessman, Alhaji Hammed Akanbi, of being behind the murders.

 Jimoh said the suspects were arrested on January 24 and February 6, adding that they confessed that they were allegedly hired by Akanbi, 38.

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He said the police had invited Akanbi and even searched for him but met his absence, noting that the allegations against him were weighty.

Declaring him wanted, Jimoh said Akanbi should report himself to the police for questioning.

The CP explained that investigations showed that the killings were carried out by a gang armed with local pistols, axes and machetes.

“On April 18, 2023, about 8am., the suspects attacked Sherif Salami Ishola at an isolated building, where he was shot severally and died on the spot. The suspects subsequently fled the scene,” he said.

He added that the same gang carried out the second murder on August 26, 2024, when Prince Damilola Akinloye was shot multiple times at Eti-Osa.

Further investigations, he said, implicated Akanbi, described as the Chief Executive Officer, Amtachek and Amrok Markham Company in the murders.

The CP alleged that Akanbi paid the suspects N2 million, with N500,000 given to each of the principal actors after the first murder.

He said other benefits, including opportunities to travel abroad were promised to the gang of killers, adding that five of them had earlier been charged to court, following their alleged implication in other crimes, and three were at large.

“No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that those connected with these heinous crimes are arrested and brought to justice,” he said.