***Demand Proper scrutiny by the State
The legal team representing Alhaji Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, who is facing prosecution over the alleged murders of Prince Demola Akinloye and Mr. Sheriff Salami, has accused elements within the police of conducting a biased investigation and called for a thorough review of the case.
Speaking at a press conference attended by members of the media, civil society groups and representatives of the Ojomu Royal Family of Ajiran Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, Adedotun Ajulo, Esq and
Damian N Ukpa, Esq maintained that their client was being subjected to what they described as media trial and persecution linked to longstanding disputes within the community.
The legal team acknowledged the deaths of Akinloye and Salami as tragic, but argued that the incidents had been politicised by interested parties seeking to advance personal interests.
According to the lawyers, Akanbi and several other youths from Ajiran Community have been investigated multiple times by different police formations and other authorities over the incidents, which occurred in 2023 and 2024.
They alleged that the murder allegations resurfaced whenever disputes involving land ownership and chieftaincy matters emerged in the community. The lawyers further claimed that Akanbi had been a prominent advocate for what they described as equitable distribution of proceeds from community lands.
The legal team criticised the role played by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Jimoh Moshood, alleging that he exceeded his mandate during the investigation. They said legal actions challenging some of the police decisions are currently pending before the courts.
The lawyers also faulted the decision to declare Akanbi wanted in February 2026, arguing that the action was taken without a valid court order. They further alleged that following the declaration, Akanbi’s property in Ajiran was attacked and destroyed by unidentified persons.
According to the defence team, a court later set aside an earlier arrest and remand order obtained against their client, while another magistrate court reportedly directed the police to properly invite him for questioning.
They stated that Akanbi had planned to return to Nigeria from France in April to honour police invitations but was arrested in neighbouring Benin Republic before his arrival.
The lawyers challenged claims that their client had been hiding from investigators, insisting that his whereabouts were known to family members, associates and security officials.
Addressing the prosecution’s case, the defence team questioned the credibility of alleged confessional statements reportedly made by two suspects.
According to them, the suspects initially denied knowledge of one of the killings and later claimed they were informed by a third party that Akanbi had ordered the murder of Sheriff Salami.
The lawyers said the suspects have since retracted those statements and allegedly claimed they were coerced into implicating Akanbi.
They further argued that immigration records confirmed their client was outside Nigeria on the dates the two deaths occurred and claimed that forensic examinations of his phone records and bank accounts revealed no connection between him and the suspects.
The legal team also criticised the investigation process, questioning why officers from the Special Tactical Squad handled the case instead of homicide investigators.
The lawyers alleged that influential figures within the community had attempted to interfere with the investigative process and accused some public commentators of making prejudicial statements capable of affecting the fairness of the proceedings.
Particular reference was made to comments allegedly made by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, which they described as inappropriate while investigations were ongoing.
Akanbi was arraigned before a magistrate court on May 22, 2026, on charges including conspiracy to commit murder, membership of an unlawful society and threats of violence. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court subsequently remanded him in police custody and directed that the investigation file be forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further legal review.
The defence team expressed confidence in the integrity of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and urged supporters of Akanbi to remain calm while awaiting the DPP’s advice on the matter.
They also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure the safety and well-being of their client while in custody.
The prosecution and the police authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the statement as of the time of filing this report.
The case continues to attract public attention amid lingering tensions over land ownership, community leadership and the unresolved circumstances surrounding the deaths of Prince Akinloye and Salami.
