A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate allegations of misconduct against some officers attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, over their handling of the investigation into the murder of Prince Ademola Akinloye and Sheriff Salami.
The groups raised concerns that certain actions by officers involved in the investigation could undermine public confidence and compromise the integrity of efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings.
Prince Ademola Akinloye, son of the Ajiran of Agungi, Oba Tijani Akinloye, and Sheriff Salami were killed in separate incidents that have attracted significant public attention, particularly because of the circumstances surrounding the attacks and the ongoing legal battle over the investigation.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition during a press briefing in Lagos, Femi Lawson, Coordinator of the Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership, urged the police authorities to conduct an independent review of the activities of officers attached to some units within the SCID.
The coalition specifically called for an investigation into the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing SCID, as well as officers attached to the D9 and D4 units, alleging that some personnel may have engaged in actions capable of affecting the credibility of the murder investigation.
The groups stressed that any officer found to have acted outside professional standards should face appropriate disciplinary measures.
“We call on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID alongside officers overseeing the D9 and D4 units. Any personnel found culpable should be identified and sanctioned,” the coalition said.
The CSOs also expressed concern over reports surrounding the detention status of the prime suspect in the case, Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, popularly known as Tajudeen Akanbi.
They questioned reports suggesting that the suspect may not have been transferred to the Ikoyi Custodial Centre despite court directives ordering his remand there.
The coalition called on the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Chief Judge of Lagos State to provide clarification on the suspect’s current location and ensure full compliance with judicial orders.
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While demanding scrutiny of certain officers at SCID Panti, the coalition also defended the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, against separate allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
The groups described the allegations against the senior police officer as “baseless, reckless and intentionally misleading,” arguing that they were attempts to distract from ongoing efforts to achieve justice for the victims.
According to the coalition, the fresh investigation ordered by the Inspector-General of Police following a petition from the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family has produced significant developments in the case.
They claimed that the renewed investigation under AIG Jimoh’s supervision uncovered additional evidence, including eyewitness accounts, alleged confessional statements from arrested suspects and information suggesting possible financial backing behind the killings.
The coalition also addressed the arrest of Akanbi, who was apprehended in the Republic of Benin through an international operation involving INTERPOL.
The groups stated that the arrest was conducted in accordance with legal procedures and supported by valid court orders, dismissing claims that due process was not followed.
They maintained that the investigation should be allowed to continue without interference, regardless of the social standing or influence of individuals connected to the matter
The CSOs emphasised that no person, regardless of wealth, political connections or social status, should be shielded from accountability if found responsible for the murders.
The joint statement was endorsed by several advocacy organisations, including the Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, Campaign Against Impunity, Campaign for Dignity in Governance, and Mekunukoya.
The coalition urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain neutrality and professionalism throughout the investigation, warning that public trust in the criminal justice system depends on the ability of security agencies to conduct investigations without favouritism or external pressure.
The police authorities are expected to respond to the concerns raised as investigations into the murders continue.
