Ajiran Killings: CSOs Applaud Lagos Police for Arrests, Urge Swift and Transparent Prosecution of Suspects

 

By oluwaseyi fadoro 

 A coalition of civil society organisations led by the Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) on Wednesday commended the Lagos State Police Command for renewed progress in the investigation into the murders of two indigenes of Ajiran community, while urging authorities to ensure diligent prosecution of all those found culpable.

Addressing journalists at a joint press conference in Lagos, the leader of the group Mr Alex Omotehinse  said the briefing was part of its mandate to defend victims of human rights abuses and promote justice and peaceful coexistence in society.

He now recalled that its intervention in the crisis in Ojomu community, Ajiran land, in Eti-Osa Local Government Area began in April 2023 following petitions over alleged land-grabbing activities and complaints from the royal family, including the palace of Oba Akinloye Tijani Sateru II.

The coalition revisited the April 18, 2023 killing of Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami, a youth leader in Ojomu community, who was murdered in MOBA town near Ajiran. It also cited the assassination of Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, son of the traditional ruler, who was shot dead on August 26, 2024 along Chevron Drive in the Lekki axis of Lagos.

According to him it had previously petitioned the Inspector General of Police, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the National Human Rights Commission and the Lagos State Governor, demanding a thorough investigation into Salami’s killing.

The coalition expressed encouragement over recent developments announced by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, who on February 19, 2026 disclosed that renewed investigations had led to the arrest of principal suspects and the declaration of other prime suspects wanted.

Police authorities confirmed that Safiu Fatai, also known as Fabo, and Yusuf Ismaila, alias Bariga, were apprehended on January 24 and February 6, 2026 respectively.

 The command also declared other suspects, including Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, wanted in connection with the murders.

The coalition described the arrests as a significant step toward justice and publicly commended both the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for what it termed their commitment to ensuring the cases do not become part of Nigeria’s long list of unresolved murders.

“We are deeply encouraged by the progress made so far with the apprehension of suspects and the determination to press ahead with investigations,” the coalition said, adding that justice for the victims would further strengthen public confidence in the police as Nigeria’s foremost law enforcement institution.

However, the groups stressed the need for diligent and conclusive investigation, urging authorities to ensure that all those implicated are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

They also highlighted deep public anxiety within Ajiran community over the killings and called on the police command to remain steadfast and uncompromising in pursuing justice.

Given the sensitivity of the case, the coalition appealed to the police to deploy adequate security and maintain heightened vigilance within and around Ajiran community to reassure residents while investigations continue.

The organisations further urged the media to remain focused and not be swayed by “distractions, denials and dubious narratives” surrounding the case. 

They called on journalists to continue demanding transparency, thorough investigation and justice for the deceased and their families.

The coalition expressed optimism that the resolution of the murder cases would serve the overriding public interest and act as a deterrent to criminal elements.

“We remain hopeful that the truth will prevail and that the cause of justice will be served in the overriding interest of public good,” the group stated.