LAGOS/Nigeria: The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has honoured the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Olohundare Jimoh, for what it described as his exemplary professionalism, unwavering commitment to justice and transparent handling of the investigation into the high-profile Ajiran killings in Lagos State.
The recognition was conferred on Thursday at the Zone 2 Police Command Headquarters in Lagos, where the President of CHSR, Alex Omotehinse, presented a formal letter of commendation to the senior police officer. Omotehinse said the honour was in appreciation of Jimoh’s leadership during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, particularly for ensuring a painstaking investigation that led to the arrest and prosecution of suspects linked to the killings, despite alleged attempts to frustrate the process.
According to him, CHSR had closely monitored the case since the killing of Sheriff Salami in 2023 and consistently mounted advocacy campaigns demanding a comprehensive investigation and the prosecution of everyone connected with the crime. He noted that public concern deepened following the murder of another Ajiran community member, Prince Ademola Akinloye, in 2024, prompting the organisation to organise peaceful protests and engage relevant authorities in pursuit of justice.
Omotehinse said the eventual arrest and prosecution of the suspects had restored public confidence in the criminal justice system and demonstrated that the Nigeria Police Force remained capable of delivering justice when investigations were conducted professionally and without interference.
“We have seen a police officer who acted professionally and stood his ground to ensure that victims get justice,” he said, adding that the commendation was intended to encourage integrity, accountability and excellence in policing.
He also urged the police authorities to remain resolute by ensuring that the ongoing prosecution of the suspects is pursued diligently until a final judicial determination is reached.
Responding, AIG Jimoh reassured residents of the Ajiran community that the police would leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for the victims and their families. He said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to conducting thorough investigations and ensuring that criminal cases, regardless of the status of those involved, are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The AIG disclosed that while two suspects had earlier been arrested and charged to court, a third suspect, 38-year-old Tajudeen Akanbi, fled the country after the crimes. He explained that fresh evidence later linked Akanbi directly to the killings, leading to his declaration as a wanted person before he was eventually tracked down, arrested and returned to Nigeria through a collaborative operation involving the Nigeria Police Force and International Criminal Police Organization.
Jimoh commended the efforts of INTERPOL Nigeria and INTERPOL Benin Republic for their cooperation in securing the suspect’s extradition to face trial alongside the other defendants.
“If you commit an offence anywhere in the world, it is only a matter of time before the law catches up with you,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to justice, accountability and the diligent prosecution of unresolved criminal cases, while calling on members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible information that would aid investigations. Jimoh further assured members of the Ajiran community, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, that justice would be served and that those responsible for the killings would be held accountable before the law.
