Civil Rights Activists Demand Justice for Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye

We, as concerned civil rights advocates committed to the promotion of justice, accountability, and the rule of law, are compelled to address what we believe is a sustained campaign of misinformation surrounding the ongoing prosecution of those accused in the murders of Sheriff Ishola Salami, who was killed on April 18, 2023, and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, the first son of the Ojomu of Ajiranland, who was murdered on August 26, 2024, in Ajiran Community, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

As part of our commitment to ensuring that justice is neither delayed nor obstructed, we paid a solidarity visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command (Lagos and Ogun States), AIG Olohundare Jimoh, to acknowledge the efforts made under his leadership while he served as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, in advancing the investigation into the killings.

Our findings suggest that certain individuals have embarked on a deliberate campaign to discredit the Nigeria Police Force and AIG Olohundare Jimoh in what appears to be an attempt to influence public opinion and undermine confidence in the ongoing judicial process. For the record, AIG Jimoh assumed office as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, on February 18, 2025.

Available records indicate that the Lagos State Police Command received a petition from Olarotimi Williams Chambers requesting the investigation and prosecution of those allegedly responsible for the murders of the two victims. Following the petition, the Commissioner of Police approved a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

The investigation reportedly led to the arrest of two suspects, who allegedly made confessional statements detailing how the killings were carried out and identifying the person they claimed sponsored the crimes. Based on the outcome of the investigation, Lagos businessman Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, also known as Ahmed Ajiran or Hamed Tajudeen, was declared wanted by the police in connection with the case.

Information available to us further indicates that, after alleged attempts to influence or compromise the investigation failed, efforts were made to interfere with the course of justice through various channels. It was also reported that Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi was subsequently arrested in the Republic of Benin and returned to Nigeria to face the legal process.

As the matter is currently before a court of competent jurisdiction, we consider it inappropriate to comment on the substantive issues before the court. We therefore urge all parties to respect the judicial process and allow the courts to determine the case based solely on the evidence presented before them, free from intimidation, misinformation, or external influence.

We firmly believe that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done. While every defendant is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence and a fair hearing, the families of Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye equally deserve justice through a transparent and impartial legal process.

We also commend police officers who discharge their constitutional responsibilities with professionalism, courage, and integrity. In our view, AIG Olohundare Jimoh demonstrated a commitment to accountability and the rule of law during his tenure as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.

We therefore call on all stakeholders—including law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, civil society organizations, the media, and members of the public to support the due process of law and reject any attempt to derail the administration of justice through misinformation or undue pressure.