By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights ( CHSR) has commended the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Police Command for the progress made so far in apprehending the perpetrators of Ajiran killings as the group intensify investigations into the murder of the victims; Mr Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye.
The coalition comprises the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), led by its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse; the Centre for Economic and Human Rights Advancement (CEHRA), led by its National Coordinator, Comrade Deji Adebowale; and the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), led by its Executive Director, Buna Olaitan Isiak.
In a press briefing held on Wednesday, Omotehinse affirmed the group’s intervention is rooted in the defence of the rights of victims of two separate gruesome murder incidents that occurred in April 2023 and August 2024.
Com. Alex noted that CHSR and other civil society stakeholders have remained consistent in demanding a thorough police investigation into the killings of Salami and Akinloye, which occurred at different locations within Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State—on April 18, 2023, and August 26, 2024, respectively.
“Mr Sheriff Ishola Salami was murdered at Moba Town, adjacent to Ajiran community, while Prince Ademola Akinloye was killed along the ever-busy Chevron Drive, Lekki,” he said.
Omotehinse recalled that the coalition had earlier addressed the media on February 25 regarding progress made by the police, particularly the apprehension of some suspects.
He commended the Lagos State Police Command, under the immediate past Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, for apprehending suspects and declaring other masterminds wanted during a press briefing held on February 19, 2026.
“It is gratifying that the prime suspect has finally been apprehended by the police. We commend the Nigeria Police for their relentless commitment to ensuring that these murder cases are resolved,” he said.
According to him, the prime suspect was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on April 15, 2026, by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), and is currently in custody at the Zone 2 Police Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.
He stressed that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, noting that the incidents have caused immense distress to the victims’ families.
Omotehinse, however, raised concerns about what he described as “deliberate and self-serving antics” of certain individuals posing as civil society actors, accusing them of attempting to derail justice through misleading campaigns against the police.
“It has become necessary to alert the media to the ill-motivated campaigns of these self-styled civil society actors, driven by desperation to undermine legitimate police investigations,” he said.
He stated that it is the constitutional duty of the police to investigate criminal cases, warning against attempts to obstruct justice, including the use of restraining court orders to frustrate law enforcement efforts.
“We take exception to the hypocrisy and deceit of individuals who claim to act as watchdogs but are, in reality, working to derail justice,” he added.
While commending the progress made so far, Omotehinse urged the media to remain vigilant and avoid being misled by narratives aimed at shielding suspects.
“We maintain that suspects of murder should be allowed to prove their innocence and not be shielded from police investigation,” he said.
He also called on the new Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, to remain resolute in ensuring that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice.
The coalition further commended Jimoh, now Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, for his leadership and dedication.
“Our primary interest is to see justice served; for the victims, their families, and society at large,” Omotehinse said.
He expressed confidence that resolving the cases would strengthen public trust in the police and serve the broader interest of justice.
The group also acknowledged concerns within the Ajiran community and urged the police to enhance security presence in the area to reassure residents.
“We reiterate the need for the media to follow developments closely and seek clarifications from the police, the legally empowered authority in criminal investigations,” he added.
