Ajiran Killings: Groups, Stakeholders Defend AIG Jimoh, Reject Corruption Allegations Over Murder Investigation
Civil society groups and other stakeholders have defended the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Lagos, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, against allegations of corruption in the investigation of the Ajiran murder case, describing claims made against him as false, defamatory and unsupported by evidence.
Civil society groups and stakeholders have rallied behind the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Lagos, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, dismissing allegations of corruption levelled against him over his handling of the Ajiran murder investigation.
The defence follows accusations made by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who described the senior police officer as "extremely corrupt" and alleged that his actions constituted a threat to the justice system.
VDM had also questioned the handling of statements reportedly made by two suspects, identified as Shafi Fatai, popularly known as Fabo, and Yusuf Ismaila, also known as Bariga, in connection with the murder of two Ajiran princes.
However, documents reviewed by our correspondent indicate that the allegations are inconsistent with official police records detailing the investigation.
Findings further suggest that AIG Jimoh, who was the Commissioner of Police in Lagos when the investigation was reopened, acted on directives from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and supervised the investigation that eventually led to the arrest and arraignment of suspects linked to the case.
Sources familiar with the matter alleged that attempts were made by influential individuals to pressure the AIG into abandoning the investigation. According to the sources, some persons also allegedly engaged social media influencers and media personalities to circulate narratives aimed at discrediting the police officer and influencing public opinion.
A memo dated April 22 and signed by AIG Jimoh, addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, outlined his role in the investigation. The memo was reportedly prepared in response to a petition filed by A.O. Ajulo & Partners, legal representatives of businessman Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, one of the suspects in the case.
According to the memo, the investigation was reopened following a petition submitted on January 7, 2026, by Chief Rotimi Williams' Chambers on behalf of the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family of Ajiran, alleging that the murders of Prince Ademola Akinloye and Sheriff Ishola Salami had not been adequately investigated.
The following day, January 8, the Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police, Commissioner of Police Lateef Adio Ahmed, reportedly directed Jimoh, then Lagos State Commissioner of Police, to investigate the matter.
On allegations that Akanbi was declared wanted without evidence, the police records state that investigators obtained statements from five complainants and witnesses, including the widow of one of the deceased, who reportedly witnessed the attack.
The memo further states that two arrested suspects, Shafi Fatai (Fabo) and Yusuf Ismaila (Bariga), allegedly confessed during interrogation that Akanbi financed the killings, claiming he paid N2 million and N3 million for the murders.
The police also cited a statement from another community witness who claimed to have recorded a telephone conversation in which Akanbi allegedly sought assistance in securing the release of the arrested suspects and the withdrawal of the murder case in exchange for resolving a disputed land matter. According to the memo, the witness played the recording for investigators.
Addressing claims that Akanbi was declared wanted without judicial approval, the memo referenced two court orders. The first, issued by Magistrate Court 3 in Ogba, Ikeja, on February 16, 2026, granted the police permission to arrest and remand Akanbi for 14 days.
The second order, issued by the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 10, 2026, authorised the issuance of a warrant of arrest to secure Akanbi's appearance in connection with allegations of conspiracy and murder.
Although the earlier Magistrate Court order was subsequently set aside on procedural grounds, and another magistrate later directed that Akanbi report to the police within 48 hours of his return to Nigeria, the Federal High Court warrant remained valid.
The memo also denied allegations that AIG Jimoh had any personal dealings with Akanbi after his arrest by INTERPOL authorities in the Republic of Benin on April 15, 2026.
According to the police, Akanbi was transferred to INTERPOL Nigeria and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos, before being handed over to Zone 2 Command for further investigation.
Jimoh stated that his role was limited to coordinating with INTERPOL officials in Abuja and Lagos to facilitate the suspect's return to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has commended the AIG for what it described as professionalism, diligence and strategic leadership in the investigation.
In a letter signed by its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, the organisation said the investigation, the arrest of suspects and their subsequent arraignment had helped strengthen public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
The group, however, expressed concern over the alleged conduct of some operatives of the Delta Force Unit at SCID Panti, Lagos, accusing them of displaying bias in favour of some of the defendants during the ongoing court proceedings.
CHSR urged the police authorities to ensure that officers involved in the matter remain professional and impartial to safeguard the integrity of the judicial process.
The murder case involving Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, Shafi Fatai and Yusuf Ismaila remains before the court.
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