Group Accuses Panti SCID Officers of Shielding Murder Suspect, Alleges Defiance of Court Orders

 

 Crime Free Lagos, a community advocacy group, has accused officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos, of allegedly frustrating the prosecution of a murder suspect, Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, by repeatedly failing to produce him before a magistrate court despite several court directives.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of non-compliance with court orders regarding the suspect, who is currently in police custody following his reported apprehension by INTERPOL in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

According to the group, Akanbi is required to appear before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ogba for committal proceedings and subsequent referral of the case to the High Court over allegations connected to the deaths of two individuals, identified as Sherif Salami, popularly known as Agboworin, and Prince Ademola Akinloye.

Crime Free Lagos alleged that police officers responsible for the suspect's custody have repeatedly failed to present him in court. The group cited the most recent court appearance on June 16, 2026, when officers reportedly informed the court that the suspect was ill and could not be brought before the magistrate.

The group claimed that the magistrate insisted on the suspect's appearance and granted the police one hour to produce him in court. However, the suspect was not presented, and no medical report was reportedly provided to substantiate the claim of ill health.

The advocacy group further alleged that during a previous court appearance about ten days earlier, the suspect was shielded from public view with a face mask and hooded clothing.

Following the June 16 proceedings, the court reportedly granted the police an additional ten days, setting June 30, 2026, as the next date for the suspect's production.

Crime Free Lagos specifically named three officers attached to the SCID, Panti, as being responsible for the alleged non-compliance. They include Olatunbosun, Officer-in-Charge of Department 9 (OC/D9); Ahmed Bunu, Officer-in-Charge of the Homicide Section; and SP Mustapha.

The group stated that repeated claims of the suspect's ill health, particularly on scheduled court dates, have raised concerns among the deceased victims' family members and supporters. It called on the officers to publicly explain the steps they have taken to comply with the court's directives.

The organisation urged the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, to ensure the suspect is produced before the court and to initiate a disciplinary inquiry into the conduct of the officers named.

It also called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission to investigate the matter, while urging the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to review the case and ensure that due process has not been compromised.

Crime Free Lagos warned that the family of the deceased persons may explore legal options, including applications to compel the suspect's production in court, contempt proceedings, and petitions to relevant oversight bodies if the alleged delays continue.

The group concluded by calling on civil society organisations, the media, and members of the public to support efforts aimed at ensuring accountability and the enforcement of the rule of law.

The Nigeria Police Force has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the statement.

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