By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has raised a clarion call over the repeated administrative recall of the case file in the ongoing prosecution of suspects linked to the deaths Ajiran Community indigenes in Eti-Osa Local Gov. Area of Lagos State.
In a compiled petition by the Human Rights Activists addressed to the Chief Judge of Lagos State, asked the judiciary to ensure the substantive proceedings continue before the court handling the matter, while allowing all parties to present their cases according to the law of the land.
The case concerns the deaths of Sheriff Ishola Salami, who was reportedly killed in April 2023, and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, who was reportedly killed in August 2024.
Recent reports indicate that Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi is standing trial alongside Shafi Fatai and Yusuf Ismaila over the alleged killings.
A Lagos High Court had previously ordered Akanbi’s remand, while subsequent bail applications were dealt with by different courts.
In its latest petition, signed by its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, CHSR said that it was concerned about what it described as repeated administrative interventions in a matter already before a trial judge.
The group said, “Our concern is not about determining the guilt or innocence of any defendant. That is the responsibility of the court. Our concern is that the substantive criminal proceedings should be allowed to continue without unnecessary administrative delays.”
CHSR recalled that a petition dated June 29, 2026, had sought the reassignment of the case from Justice A.T. Muyideen over allegations of perceived bias.
According to the organisation, an administrative review was subsequently conducted and the allegations against the judge were found not to warrant his removal from the matter.
CHSR said that another petition was submitted on August 3, 2026, seeking similar relief.
“The repeated consideration of petitions concerning the same case has raised legitimate questions about the continuity of the proceedings,” the organisation stated.
It added, “Once a competent court is seized of a criminal matter, the parties should be allowed to present their respective cases before that court, subject to the applicable laws and rules.”
The organisation further referred to September 18, 2026, when parties appeared in court expecting proceedings to continue, but were informed that the case file had again been recalled for administrative consideration.
CHSR said that the development had prompted it to seek clarification from the Chief Judge on the circumstances surrounding the latest recall.
“Why was the file recalled on September 18, 2026, when the underlying petition of August 3, 2026, had already been submitted several weeks earlier?” the group asked.
It also asked, “What specific administrative or legal development necessitated the latest intervention, and what safeguards are being put in place to ensure that the substantive trial is not unnecessarily delayed?”
The organisation stressed that its position was not intended to prejudge the case or interfere with the rights of the defendants.
“Let the prosecution present its case. Let the defence be heard. Let the evidence be tested. Let the court decide,” CHSR stated.
The group also urged the judiciary to ensure that the families of the alleged victims were not denied timely access to justice.
“Justice must be allowed to take its proper course in open court. The prosecution should be able to present its evidence, the defence should have every opportunity provided by law to respond, and the court should determine the matter on the evidence before it,” the organisation said.
CHSR further raised concerns about the handling of the principal defendant’s custodial and medical arrangements.
The organisation said that while the court had previously made orders concerning the defendant’s custody and medical treatment, any further arrangements should be transparent and subject to appropriate judicial oversight.
“We respectfully request a transparent medical and legal evaluation of the defendant’s status, while ensuring that custody arrangements remain subject to lawful judicial orders,” it said.
The organisation also called for the case file to be returned to Justice Muyideen so that the substantive proceedings could resume.
“Our prayer is simple: return the case file to the court already seized of the substantive matter and allow the trial to proceed without undue delay or preference,” CHSR stated.
The group maintained that both the prosecution and defence were entitled to a fair hearing, stressing that the rights of all parties must be protected.
“Fair hearing belongs to everyone in the case — the prosecution, the defence and the families of the victims. No party should be denied the opportunity to present its case in accordance with the law,” it said.
CHSR also urged the Lagos State Judiciary to maintain public confidence by ensuring transparency in the administrative handling of the matter.
“The judiciary must continue to demonstrate that every party, regardless of status, will receive equal treatment under the law,” the organisation said.
It called on relevant institutions, including the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Nigerian Bar Association, the National Judicial Council and the Nigeria Police Force, to support a process that would allow the case to proceed in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and other applicable laws.
CHSR said that the petition was not an attempt to dictate the outcome of the case but a call for the judicial process to be allowed to run its course.
“The Ajiran case should be determined by admissible evidence and the applicable law, not by public sentiment, media narratives or administrative speculation,” the organisation stated.
It added, “We are not asking the judiciary to convict or acquit anyone. We are asking that the case be heard, the evidence be tested and a decision be reached by the competent court.”
The organisation further appealed to all parties to refrain from statements or actions that could prejudice the proceedings.
“We call on everyone involved to respect the integrity of the judicial process. The victims’ families deserve justice, while the defendants are entitled to all constitutional safeguards available to them,” CHSR said.
The human rights activists implored the Lagos State Judiciary to ensure that the criminal proceedings continue “without undue preference, fear or favour.”
The group concluded by saying: “Let justice work. Let the evidence speak. Let the prosecution and defence be heard, and let the court make the final decision” .
The petition was copied, forwarded to Lagos State Attorney-General; Commissioner for Justice, Nigerian Bar Association, National Judicial Council, the Inspector-General of Police , relevant civil society and media organisations.
