CHSR Petitions Lagos Chief Judge Over Four-Time Recall of Ajiran Murder Case File

 

The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has petitioned the Chief Judge of Lagos State over what it described as the “unprecedented” four-time administrative recall of the case file in the alleged murder of two prominent sons of Ajiran Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The petition, signed by the President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, concerns the criminal prosecution involving the State and the alleged prime suspect, Alhaji Tajudeen Ahmed Akanbi, alongside other co-defendants.

The two victims were identified as Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, son of the Ojomu of Ajiranland, who was assassinated on August 26, 2024, and Mr Sheriff Ishola Salami, a youth leader who was allegedly ambushed and assassinated on April 18, 2023.

According to CHSR, the case is currently pending before the Lagos State High Court, where Hon. Justice A.T. Muyideen had issued a judicial directive remanding the prime suspect at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending trial.

The organisation said its concerns were heightened by what it described as “severe irregularities” surrounding the suspect’s custody, including an incident in which he was allegedly rejected by the correctional facility on unverified medical grounds.

CHSR alleged that subsequent administrative interventions resulted in the case file being repeatedly recalled from the trial judge, thereby preventing substantive proceedings from continuing.

The organisation said the first and second recalls followed a petition dated June 29, 2026, by the Centre for Citizens Rights Protection (CCRP), alleging bias against Justice Muyideen.

It stated that an internal administrative review was subsequently conducted, adding that the judge was investigated and cleared of the allegation.

CHSR further alleged that a third and fourth recall occurred following another petition submitted on August 3, 2026, noting that the case file was again recalled to the Chief Judge’s office.

The group expressed concern that the repeated administrative recalls could delay the substantive trial, including determination of bail and other applications before the court.

It argued that while the Chief Judge has administrative powers to assign and reassign cases, such powers should not undermine the jurisdiction of a trial court already seized of a criminal matter.

CHSR also raised questions over the circumstances surrounding the latest recall of the case file on September 18, 2026, when parties were expected to appear in court for proceedings.

The organisation questioned why the file was recalled on that date when the underlying petition of August 3 had been submitted more than six weeks earlier.

It also questioned what emergency or new legal development necessitated the latest administrative intervention.

CHSR called for greater transparency in the handling of the case, particularly concerning the medical status and custody of the prime suspect.

The organisation urged the Chief Judge to return the case file immediately to Justice Muyideen so that substantive proceedings could resume without further delay.

It also called for the dismissal of further administrative petitions aimed at stalling the trial, except where legally necessary, and urged relevant authorities to ensure that the suspect’s custody was subjected to standard correctional procedures.

According to CHSR, all parties in the matter should be allowed to present their respective cases openly before the court in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Lagos State and the 1999 Constitution.

The organisation said the Ajiran murder case had become an important test of the administration of criminal justice in Lagos State.

CHSR urged the judiciary to ensure that the prosecution, defence and victims’ families are given the opportunity to present their respective cases, with the evidence tested through due judicial process.

The group concluded with a call for the case to proceed in open court, saying: “Let the defence be heard. Let the prosecution present its case. Let the evidence be tested. Let the court decide.”