CSOs Defend AIG Moshood Jimoh, Dismiss Corruption Allegations Over Ajiran Killings Probe

CSOs Defend AIG Moshood Jimoh, Dismiss Corruption Allegations Over Ajiran Killings Probe

 

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has dismissed allegations of corruption and abuse of office levelled against Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh over the investigation into the killings of Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye in Ajiran, Lagos State, describing the claims as baseless and a calculated attempt to derail the course of justice.

The coalition, led by the Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership (CACL), alongside the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), Centre for Physically Challenged and Human Rights (CPCHR), Campaign for Dignity in Governance, Campaign Against Impunity, Mekunukoya, and Care and Justice for Women and Children, made its position known during a press conference on Tuesday.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, CACL Coordinator, Femi Lawnson, said the organisations were compelled to address what they described as "a dangerous campaign of misinformation" surrounding the murder investigation.

According to him, certain individuals and online commentators have deliberately sought to portray Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, identified by the coalition as the principal murder suspect and a declared fugitive, as a victim while attempting to tarnish the reputation of AIG Jimoh.

"We are here to set the record straight, restore integrity to public discourse, and demand strict compliance with the rule of law," Lawnson stated.

The coalition recalled that following the killings of Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye in Ajiran, a petition dated January 7, 2026, was submitted by the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family requesting a comprehensive review of the investigation.

It said the Inspector-General of Police responded the following day by directing a fresh investigation, which was assigned to the then Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, now AIG Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh.

According to the CSOs, the renewed investigation produced significant breakthroughs, including eyewitness testimonies, confessional statements from arrested suspects and evidence allegedly linking the crime to financial sponsorship and coordinated planning.

The coalition further maintained that Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi's arrest was carried out in accordance with the law, noting that it was backed by valid orders of both the Magistrate Court and the Federal High Court in Lagos and involved collaboration with INTERPOL, which facilitated his return to Nigeria.

Rejecting allegations of corruption against AIG Jimoh, the coalition said it had reviewed available official records and found no evidence to support claims of bias, abuse of office or misconduct.

"The allegations are baseless, reckless and intentionally misleading. Rather than compromise the investigation, AIG Moshood Jimoh demonstrated professionalism, discipline and fidelity to the rule of law throughout the process," the coalition said.

The organisations commended the senior police officer for adhering to lawful investigative procedures, coordinating with international law enforcement agencies and preserving public confidence in the criminal justice process.

While expressing support for the investigation, the coalition raised concerns over what it described as credible reports of misconduct by some operatives attached to the Delta Force Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba.

The coalition called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the conduct of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, as well as officers overseeing the D9 and D4 units, with a view to sanctioning anyone found to have compromised the investigation.

It also expressed concern over the silence of the current Commissioner of Police in Lagos State regarding developments in the case, urging the police leadership to provide greater transparency.

The CSOs further urged the Inspector-General of Police to prevent retired officers, including CSP Yetunde Cardoso (retd.) and CSP Ejiofor, from interfering with or attempting to influence the ongoing investigation and prosecution.

On the issue of detention, the coalition alleged that court orders directing the remand of the prime suspect at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre had not been fully complied with.

It consequently called on the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Chief Judge of Lagos State to clarify the suspect's custodial status and investigate reports of alleged unprofessional conduct within correctional facilities.

According to the coalition, failure to enforce valid court orders would undermine judicial authority and weaken public confidence in the justice system.

The organisations insisted that justice must be served for the late Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye, stressing that no suspect, irrespective of status or influence, should evade prosecution.

They demanded transparency regarding the custody of the prime suspect, strict enforcement of all subsisting court orders, disciplinary measures against any officer found to have compromised the investigation and institutional safeguards against interference by serving or retired security personnel.

Describing the matter as a critical test of Nigeria's justice system, the coalition maintained that truth and accountability must prevail over misinformation and external influence.

The statement was signed by Femi Lawnson (Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership), Olatunde Owoeye-Wise (Centre for Physically Challenged and Human Rights), Balogun Adewale (Mekunukoya), Razaq Olokoba (Campaign for Dignity in Governance), Comrade Shina Loremikan (Campaign Against Impunity), Comrade Ewajane Osowo (Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights), and Mrs. Kehinde Jones (Care and Justice for Women and Children).