CHSR Raises Concern Over Repeated Recall of Ajiran Murder Case File, Calls for Trial Resumption

 

The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has raised concerns over the repeated recall of the case file in the ongoing murder trial involving Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi and other defendants before the Lagos High Court, calling for greater transparency and the resumption of proceedings.

The organisation made its position known on Sunday, September 27, 2026, during an emergency press conference held at the Liberation Centre, where its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, addressed journalists, civil society representatives, leaders and members of the Ajiran Community, as well as other concerned Nigerians.

The defendants are standing trial over the deaths of two members of the Ajiran Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State—Mr Sheriff Ishola Salami, described as a youth leader who died on April 18, 2023, and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, son of the Ojomu of Ajiranland, who died on August 26, 2024.

Omotehinse said the purpose of the briefing was to draw public attention to developments which, according to the organisation, could affect the progress of the proceedings and public confidence in the judicial process.

The CHSR President expressed concern over what he described as repeated petitions and public activities relating to the case, particularly petitions attributed to individuals associated with the Centre for Citizens Rights Protection (CCRP).

He alleged that some of the narratives surrounding the case were capable of influencing public perception before the court reaches a determination.

“Our organisation is deeply concerned by the orchestrated misleading narratives and insidious campaign aimed at undermining justice,” he said.

Omotehinse further alleged that public protests, media campaigns and repeated petitions had been used in attempts to portray the principal suspect as a victim.

He said the organisation was particularly concerned about petitions it alleged had been submitted in connection with the proceedings.

“More concerning is petitions written by this group with the intent of disrupting hitch-free procedural and administrative process,” he said.

However, Omotehinse acknowledged the constitutional and administrative responsibilities of the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Olarewaju Alogba, in dealing with petitions and overseeing the administration of justice.

According to him, the Office of the Chief Judge had requested the case file on several occasions following petitions concerning the proceedings.

He said that following a petition dated June 29, 2026, which alleged bias against the trial judge, Justice A.T. Muyideen, the case file was recalled for administrative review.

“The investigation concluded with Justice Muyideen cleared of the allegations,” he said.

He added that another petition seeking similar relief was submitted on August 3, 2026.

According to Omotehinse, the latest recall occurred on September 18, 2026, when lawyers and other interested parties arrived for scheduled proceedings.

“On September 18, 2026, as counsel and interested parties gathered for scheduled proceedings, it was announced that the case file had once again been requested for administrative assessment,” he said.

While recognising the authority of the Chief Judge to deal with administrative matters, Omotehinse said repeated requests for the case file could affect the pace of the trial.

“While we recognise the constitutional power of the Honourable Chief Judge to supervise judicial administration and address petitions, the repeated retrieval of the file from a court actively sitting on the matter has inadvertently halted the progression of the trial, thus creating widespread concern among the victims’ families and the general public,” he said.