A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has dismissed allegations of corruption and abuse of office against the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, describing the claims as baseless and an attempt to derail justice in the Ajiran double murder case.
The coalition, led by the Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership (CACL), said the allegations were part of a coordinated campaign to distort facts surrounding the killings of Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye in Ajiran, Lagos State.
Speaking at a news conference in Ikeja on Wednesday, the Coordinator of CACL, Mr Femi Lawnson, said the coalition, which includes the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), was committed to ensuring justice for the victims and preserving the integrity of the ongoing prosecution.
Lawnson alleged that certain individuals and online commentators had embarked on a deliberate campaign to portray the prime suspect, Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, as a victim, despite his status as a declared fugitive and principal suspect in the murder case.
According to him, such narratives are capable of obstructing justice and undermining public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
He recalled that following concerns over the pace of the initial investigation, a petition dated Jan. 7, 2026, was submitted on behalf of the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family, prompting the Inspector-General of Police to order a comprehensive review of the case on Jan. 8.
Lawnson said the directive was implemented by Jimoh, who was then the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, through what he described as a structured, intelligence-driven investigation.
He said the renewed investigation produced eyewitness accounts, confessional statements from suspects and other corroborative evidence linking those allegedly involved in the killings.
According to him, the arrest of the prime suspect was carried out lawfully based on valid court orders issued by both the Magistrate Court and the Federal High Court in Lagos, with support from the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), which facilitated his return to Nigeria.
“The investigation followed due process and reflected professionalism, institutional coordination and strict compliance with the law,” Lawnson said.
He maintained that there was no credible evidence to support allegations accusing Jimoh of corruption, bias or abuse of office.
Lawnson described the allegations as “baseless, reckless and intentionally misleading,” adding that they were aimed at frustrating the administration of justice.
He commended the AIG for what it described as his professionalism, adherence to lawful investigative procedures, effective collaboration with international policing bodies and commitment to strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
While expressing support for Jimoh, Lawnson raised concerns over alleged unprofessional conduct by some operatives attached to the Delta Force Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos.
He alleged that reports of bias, interference and actions capable of compromising evidence in the case should be thoroughly investigated.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the conduct of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, Yaba, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, as well as officers overseeing the D9 and D4 units, and sanction anyone found culpable.
Lawnson also urged the police authorities to ensure neutrality and professionalism in the handling of the case.
He further expressed concern over what it described as the silence of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police n the matter since assuming office, saying the development had raised questions among members of the public.
Lawnson also called on the I-GP to prevent retired police officers, including CSP Yetunde Cardoso (retd.) and CSP Ejiofor, from interfering in the investigation or prosecution of the case.
He equally raised concerns over the alleged non-compliance with court orders directing that the prime suspect be remanded at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre.
He urged the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Chief Judge of Lagos State to clarify the suspect’s custodial status and investigate allegations of unprofessional conduct within the custodial facility.
The coalition insisted that justice must be served for the slain victims, adding that no suspect, regardless of status or influence, should evade accountability.
He also demanded full enforcement of all subsisting court orders, transparency regarding the suspect’s custodial status, disciplinary action against any officer found compromising the investigation and stronger institutional safeguards against external interference.
Lawnson described the case as a major test of Nigeria’s justice system, urging relevant authorities to ensure that justice was neither delayed nor denied.
Other members of the coalition are: Mr Olatunde Owoeye-Wise, Centre for Physically Challenged and Human Rights (CPCHR); Mr Balogun Adewale, Convener, Mekunukoya; Mr Razaq Olokoba, Convener, Campaign for Dignity in Governance; Comrade Shina Loremikan
Convener, Campaign Against Impunity
Others are: Comrade Ewajane Osowo
Secretary, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR); Mrs Kehinde Jones, Coordinator,
Care and Justice for Women and Children;
Mr Suleiman Ibrahim, Coordinator
Voice of the Masdes.
