A group of civil society organizations on Wednesday asked the Inspector-General of Police to look into the activities of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba. This request comes after claims of misconduct in the murder case of Prince Ademola Akinloye, the son of the Ajiran of Agungi, Oba Tijani Akinloye, and one Sheriff Salami.
The group also rejected claims of corruption and abuse of office against the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh. They called these allegations baseless.
Speaking to reporters in Lagos, Femi Lawson, who is the coordinator of the Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership, represented the coalition. He claimed that some officers in the Delta Force Unit at the SCID acted in ways that could damage the investigation.
The coalition stated, “We call on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID alongside officers overseeing the D9 and D4 units. Any personnel found culpable should be identified and sanctioned.
“We also urge the Inspector-General of Police to ensure strict neutrality and professionalism in the handling of this case.”
They further urged police authorities to stop certain retired officers from interfering with the investigation and prosecution of the murder case. The group also reached out to the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Chief Judge of Lagos State. They want to know the custody status of Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, the main suspect in the deaths of Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye.
“We are concerned about reports of non-compliance with court orders directing the remand of the prime suspect at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre. Immediate clarification is required, while all subsisting court orders should be fully enforced,” the coalition stated.
The coalition defended Jimoh against the claims of corruption, bias, and abuse of office regarding the investigation. They said, “We categorically reject recent allegations accusing AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh of corruption, bias or abuse of office. After reviewing official records and documented proceedings, we found the claims to be baseless, reckless and intentionally misleading.
“There is no credible evidence to support the allegations. Rather, the AIG’s actions demonstrate discipline, professionalism and fidelity to the law.”
According to the coalition, the Inspector-General of Police ordered a new investigation into the case in January. This was after a petition from the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family, which led to new evidence, including eyewitness accounts and confessions.
“The renewed investigation yielded eyewitness testimony, confessional statements from arrested suspects, and corroborative evidence suggesting financial sponsorship and orchestration of the killings,” the groups said.
They added that Akanbi’s arrest followed due process and was supported by valid court orders and international collaboration through INTERPOL.
The coalition emphasized that justice must be served for the victims. “Justice must be served for Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye. No suspect, regardless of influence, should evade accountability, while law enforcement agencies must be allowed to perform their duties free from intimidation or manipulation,” they added.
The statement was signed by representatives from various organizations, including the Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, Centre for Physically Challenged and Human Rights, Campaign Against Impunity, Campaign for Dignity in Governance, Care and Justice for Women and Children, Mekunukoya, and Voice of the Masdes.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, could not be reached as calls to her phone were unanswered. A text message sent to her did not get a reply by the time this report was filed.
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