A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), led by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, addressed the media in Lagos this Wednesday, issuing a stern warning against the proliferation of misinformation regarding the high-profile murder case in the Ajiran community. The group, represented by spokesperson Femi Lawson, highlighted that the surge of conflicting and speculative narratives on social media has severely distorted public perception and threatens to undermine the integrity of ongoing judicial proceedings. They emphasised that for justice to prevail, public discourse must be anchored strictly in facts and a profound respect for the rule of law.
The case involves the tragic murders of two princes, Sharif Salami and Demola Akinloye, who were killed in Ajiran in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Ahmed Akanbi, identified as the prime suspect, is currently being prosecuted at the Agege Magistrates’ Court. Mr. Lawson explained that community anxiety over the pace of these investigations led to a formal petition being submitted to the Inspector-General of Police in January. This move prompted a high-level review of the case, which was subsequently conducted by former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, ensuring that the investigation remained under professional scrutiny.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the investigation, the CSOs dismissed recent allegations of corruption, bias, and abuse of office leveled against Mr. Jimoh as entirely “unsubstantiated and misleading.” According to Mr. Lawson, the arrest and subsequent prosecution of the suspects have strictly followed established legal protocols, which included international cooperation and adherence to mandatory court procedures. By refuting these claims, the coalition aims to restore public confidence in the judicial process and protect the reputation of the officers who have been involved in the investigative phase of the case.
Despite their defense of the procedural integrity of the case, the CSOs did not offer unconditional support for every aspect of the police’s conduct. Mr. Lawson explicitly urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate reports of unprofessional conduct by certain officers connected to specific segments of the probe. He stressed that any officer found to have acted improperly should face disciplinary action to maintain the sanctity of the investigation. Furthermore, he called upon police authorities to ensure that all personnel involved in the ongoing legal proceedings remain strictly neutral to prevent any perception of bias.
As the case moves forward, the coalition has placed additional demands on the Nigerian Correctional Service, urging them to ensure total compliance with court orders regarding the custodial status of the defendants. There is a palpable concern among the groups that the prosecution and the investigative process must be shielded from any undue influence or external interference. By calling for greater transparency, the CSOs are pressuring relevant authorities to improve their communication with the public, which they argue will reduce the vacuum currently being filled by harmful rumors and misinformation.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Lawson made a passionate appeal for restraint among the media, fellow civil society groups, and the general public. He warned that commenting on matters currently pending before the courts without sufficient evidence or context is dangerous and could potentially derail legal outcomes. Ultimately, the coalition’s intervention serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice for the families of the deceased requires a collective commitment to letting the judicial process unfold without the distraction of sensationalist and unsubstantiated claims.