Ajiran Murder Allegation: CHSR, Suspects’ Statements Exonerate AIG Jimoh of Corruption Claims

By Raheem Ibrahim

The purported indictment of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh over his handling of the Ajiran murder investigation has been refuted by civil society groups and official records.

Fresh documents and reactions from stakeholders have dismissed the corruption allegations levelled against AIG Jimoh over his handling of the Ajiran murder investigation. The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) and official records maintained that the senior police officer acted within lawful directives throughout the probe.

It will be recalled that the controversy followed public accusations by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who described the AIG, the Commander of Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos, as “extremely corrupt” and accused him of undermining justice in the Ajiran killings. VDM also challenged the police chief to institute criminal defamation proceedings if the allegations were false.

However, records reviewed by our correspondent indicate that the allegations are not supported by the official case file. The documents show that Jimoh’s involvement in the matter stemmed from a directive issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) following a petition filed by Chief Rotimi Williams’ Chambers on behalf of the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family of Ajiran.

According to a memorandum dated April 22 and signed by Jimoh, the investigation was reopened after the IGP instructed him, in his capacity as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, to examine allegations that the murders of Prince Ademola Akinloye and Sheriff Ishola Salami had not been adequately investigated.

The memo, submitted to the IGP in response to a petition by A.O. Ajulo & Partners, solicitors to businessman and murder suspect Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, also addressed claims that the case was reopened arbitrarily. The document states that every investigative step was carried out pursuant to directives from police authorities rather than at Jimoh’s personal discretion.

Case records further indicate that investigators obtained statements from complainants and witnesses, including the widow of one of the deceased. Two suspects, Shafi Fatai, also known as Fabo, and Yusuf Ismaila, popularly known as Bariga, allegedly made separate confessional statements implicating Akanbi in the planning and financing of the killings.

Investigators also documented evidence from a community witness who claimed to have recorded a telephone conversation in which Akanbi allegedly sought assistance to secure the release of the suspects and discontinue the murder investigation in exchange for resolving a disputed land matter. According to the witness, the recording was presented to investigating officers.

On allegations that Akanbi was declared wanted without judicial approval, court documents attached to the police memo reveal that Magistrate Court 3, Ogba, Ikeja, initially granted the police leave on February 16, 2026, to arrest and remand the suspect for 14 days. Although that order was subsequently set aside on procedural grounds, a later Federal High Court order issued on April 10, 2026, directed the issuance of a warrant for Akanbi’s arrest to facilitate investigations into allegations of conspiracy and murder. The Federal High Court order remains valid.

The memorandum also refuted claims that Jimoh maintained personal contact with Akanbi after his arrest. It states that following the suspect’s apprehension by INTERPOL authorities in the Republic of Benin on April 15, he was transferred to INTERPOL Nigeria, detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, and later handed over through established police procedures. Jimoh described his role as coordinating with INTERPOL officials to facilitate the suspect’s return to Nigeria.

Meanwhile, findings by our correspondent suggest that the senior police officer has faced sustained pressure from individuals allegedly seeking to derail the investigation. Sources familiar with the matter claimed there were attempts to influence the probe through prominent figures and media campaigns aimed at portraying the investigation as politically motivated.

Backing the police officer’s handling of the matter, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) commended Jimoh for what it described as professionalism, diligence, and strategic leadership during the investigation. In a letter signed by its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, the group said the arrest and prosecution of the suspects had strengthened public confidence in the criminal justice process.

The organisation, however, expressed concern over the alleged conduct of some operatives attached to the Delta Force Unit at SCID, Panti, whom it accused of displaying bias in favour of some defendants during the ongoing court proceedings. It urged police authorities to ensure professionalism and neutrality throughout the trial.

The prosecution of Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi alongside co-defendants Shafi Fatai and Yusuf Ismaila remains before the courts, with proceedings continuing.