A civil society group, Ajiran Elite Troupe, has called for justice in the killings of Prince Ademola Akinloye and Sheriff Ishola Salami, as the International Criminal Police Organisation arrests a fleeing Lagos businessman, Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi.
NGGOSSIPS Metro reported on August 26, 2024, that gunmen shot and butchered Akinloye along Chevron Drive near Ebeano Supermarket in the Agungi area of the state. Salami was also killed on April 18, 2023, in the Moba community, Ajah.
The killing led to the arrest of nine suspects following intelligence gathering and investigations that linked them to the crime.
Akanbi was also declared wanted on February 19 over his alleged involvement in the killing.
He was, however, apprehended in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on April 15 after months of tracking and was handed over to the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Olohundare Jimoh, on Monday.
Addressing journalists at the Zonal Headquarters, Jimoh said the arrest followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police to reopen and conclude investigations into the cases.
He said, “This case involves multiple murders, attempted murders, and destruction of lives and property spanning several years. The suspect, Ahmed Akanbi, was earlier declared wanted alongside other accomplices, Safiu Fatai, Yusuf Ismaila, Soji Mascot, and one Kenny.
“I can confirm to you that he has now been arrested by INTERPOL operatives in the Benin Republic and handed over to INTERPOL Nigeria, and today he was handed over to us at Zone 2 command. Investigations will be concluded before he is charged in court.”
Jimoh disclosed that the suspect had allegedly moved across countries to evade arrest since he was declared wanted, adding that fresh intelligence and a petition to the police authorities led to renewed investigation into the killings in the Ojomu community.
According to him, some accomplices already in custody had confessed to carrying out the attacks on the suspect’s instructions, alleging that he financed the operations.
He said Salami was killed on April 18, 2023, while Akinloye was murdered on August 26, 2024, both in the Eti-Osa area of Lagos, in what he described as coordinated attacks.
The AIG noted that earlier investigations by previous Commissioners of Police had made significant progress, but new evidence later linked the suspect more directly to the crimes.
He cautioned against misinformation and attempts to politicise the matter, stressing the commitment of the police to ensure justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring that no individual, regardless of status, escapes justice. We will follow due process and ensure that all those involved are prosecuted,” he said.
Jimoh urged victims of the suspect’s alleged activities, including those affected by property destruction or attempted murder, to come forward with useful information, assuring that all complaints would be thoroughly investigated.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL, Fidelis Ogarabe, said the arrest was achieved through international collaboration.
“Our counterparts in the Benin Republic cooperated fully. After due processes, the suspect was handed over to our team and brought back to Nigeria. We have now transferred him to the AIG in charge of the case for continuation of the investigation,” he said.
He added that items recovered from the suspect, including travel documents, mobile phones and a luxury vehicle, would aid ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, the forum, in a statement signed by its secretary, Adesanya Yusuf, on Tuesday, urged the public to allow the police to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation, insisting that justice must be served in the cases.
It also clarified that the matter had no connection to land disputes and kingship issues.
The group said, “Let us set the record straight, the matter at hand has no connection whatsoever to land disputes or kingship issues. This is purely a case of multiple murders and must be treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.”
It stressed that civil society organisations are expected to advocate for victims and ensure accountability, not distort facts.
“Prince Ademola Akinloye was murdered in broad daylight on Chevron Road, leaving behind his father, wife, and two children.
“Similarly, Sheriff Salami Agboworin was also murdered in broad daylight, leaving behind a wife and two children with no visible support system. In this situation, it is important to ask: who truly requires the support of a civil society organisation?” the group queried.
The forum added that an ex parte order was filed on March 30 and granted on April 10, 2026, by a Federal High Court to secure Akanbi’s arrest in connection with allegations of conspiracy and murder.
According to the group, the order enabled international agencies, including INTERPOL, to effect his arrest outside Nigeria.
“While every individual has rights, it is equally important to recognise the rights of the victims and their families. The widows and fatherless children also deserve justice and support,” it added.
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