Rights groups demand diligent prosecution over Ajiran murders, commend Lagos police
A coalition of human rights organisations has urged the Lagos State Police Command to ensure the diligent and conclusive prosecution of all individuals found culpable in the murders of two
A coalition of human rights organisations has urged the Lagos State Police Command to ensure the diligent and conclusive prosecution of all individuals found culpable in the murders of two indigenes of the Ajiran community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
The coalition—comprising the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), the Centre for Economic and Human Rights Advancement (CEHRA), and the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA)—made the demand during a joint press conference in Lagos on Wednesday.
The groups are seeking justice for the late Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami, killed on April 18, 2023, and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, murdered on August 26, 2024.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, CHSR President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, called on the police to remain steadfast in their investigations and resist attempts to derail the process through “distractions and dubious narratives.”
“We demand diligent and conclusive prosecution of all those found culpable in the murders of the two indigenes of the Ajiran community. It is our collective responsibility as watchdogs to ensure that the police remain unwavering in the interest of justice,” he said.
The coalition linked the killings to alleged activities of land-grabbers in the Ojomu community, warning that such violence threatens public peace and residents’ safety.
While commending the Lagos State Police Command for recent arrests, the groups stressed that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done to restore public confidence.
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They also urged the media to closely monitor the case and seek regular updates to prevent external interference in the investigation.
According to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, renewed investigations led to the arrest of principal suspects, Safiu Fatai, alias Fabo (40), and Yusuf Ismaila, alias Bariga, on January 24 and February 6, 2026, respectively.
The Command has also declared other prime suspects, including Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, wanted based on prima facie evidence.
The coalition said it had formally written to the police authorities to acknowledge progress made and to reiterate the need for thorough investigation and prosecution.
It expressed confidence that resolving the cases would strengthen public trust in the police as Nigeria’s foremost law enforcement institution.
Commending the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, for their attention to the matter, the coalition described the progress recorded so far as encouraging.
The groups further called for enhanced security and vigilance within and around the Ajiran community to reassure residents while investigations continue.
They maintained that resolving the cases in accordance with the law would serve the broader public interest and reinforce the rule of law.