AJIRAN DOUBLE MURDER TRIAL: CHSR Raises Alarm Over Alleged Attempts to Frustrate Justice

 

By oluwaseyi fadoro 

 The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has expressed serious concerns over what it described as emerging efforts to undermine the prosecution of suspects linked to the killings of two Ajiran community indigenes, urging authorities to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor compromised.

Speaking during a press conference in Lagos on Monday, CHSR President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, said the organization was compelled to address the public following disturbing developments surrounding the ongoing investigation and trial of the murders of Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye.

According to the rights group, the killings, which occurred in April 2023 and August 2024 respectively, have become a major test of the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system and the ability of law enforcement agencies to combat organized violence and impunity.

CHSR referenced disclosures made by the immediate past Lagos State Commissioner of Police, now Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, during a media briefing at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja on February 19, 2026.

The police had announced the arrest of two principal suspects, Safiu Fatai, popularly known as Fabo, and Yusuf Ismaila, alias Bariga, following the reopening of investigations into the murders.

According to the police, both suspects allegedly confessed to participating in the killing of Sheriff Salami Ishola, who was murdered on April 18, 2023, in Moba Town, Eti-Osa, as well as Prince Ademola Akinloye, who was shot dead on August 26, 2024, along Chevron Road in Ajiran.

Investigators disclosed that Salami was reportedly ambushed by armed assailants and taken to an isolated building where he was restrained and shot multiple times. The suspects were also alleged to have adopted a similar method in the killing of Prince Akinloye.

Police investigations further revealed allegations that the crimes were carried out on the instructions of Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, who was subsequently declared wanted. Suspects in custody reportedly claimed they received financial rewards and promises of additional benefits for carrying out the attacks.

While acknowledging the significance of the arrests and confessional statements, CHSR expressed concern over what it described as procedural delays capable of creating loopholes that could frustrate the prosecution.

“We are deeply concerned that unnecessary delays in the prosecution process may create opportunities for justice to be obstructed,” Omotehinse said.

The organization also condemned what it described as efforts by certain individuals and groups to discredit the investigative process and mobilize support for the release of suspects without trial.

According to CHSR, such actions represent a direct challenge to the rule of law and undermine public confidence in the justice system.

The rights group further raised concerns over the conduct of operatives attached to the Delta Force Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, during court proceedings held on June 4, 2026.

CHSR alleged that operatives acted on complaints from supporters of the prime suspect by attempting to compel members of the victims’ families to remove a vehicle belonging to the Ojomu Royal Family from the court premises over claims that surveillance devices had been installed in the bus.

The organization described the development as troubling, particularly given what it called the unrestricted movement of supporters of the prime suspect within and around the court premises.

“Such selective enforcement raises serious questions about neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of victims’ rights within the justice process,” the group stated.

CHSR called on the new Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, to ensure the prompt arraignment and diligent prosecution of all suspects connected to the case.

The organization also urged security agencies to strengthen security presence in Ajiran community to address growing tension and reassure residents as the legal proceedings continue.

Concluding the briefing, Omotehinse described the case as a defining moment for justice and institutional credibility in Nigeria.

“This case represents more than a criminal trial. It is a test of our collective commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law. The memories of the victims demand nothing less than full accountability,” he said.

CHSR reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the case and engaging relevant stakeholders until justice is achieved through lawful and transparent judicial processe