Ajiran Murder Trial: Questions Emerge Over How Suspect’s Lawyer Allegedly Obtained Case Documents Used in Online Campaign
By The People’s Voice Nigeria News
The criminal trial of Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, a declared fugitive and principal suspect in the alleged murders of Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye, two princes of Ajiran Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, has evolved beyond the courtroom into a heated contest over public perception, allegations of compromise and the integrity of the police investigation.
The killings of Salami in February 2023 and Akinloye in August 2024 sent shockwaves through Ajiran Community near Chevron and across Lagos State, prompting widespread calls for justice from traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and residents.
The investigation gathered momentum following fresh intelligence that led to the arrest of Safiu Fatai, popularly known as Fabo, on January 24, 2026, and Yusuf Ismaila, also known as Bariga, on February 6, 2026.
Barely two weeks later, on February 20, 2026, the Lagos State Police Command declared Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, a 38-year-old businessman, wanted in connection with the killings. After months of intelligence gathering and cross-border surveillance, he was arrested by INTERPOL operatives in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, on April 15, 2026, and returned to Nigeria to face trial.
Although the prosecution initially appeared straightforward, proceedings before the Chief Magistrate Court in Ogba and later the Lagos State High Court have become increasingly contentious, with community protests, allegations of judicial interference and public attacks on the credibility of the police investigation.
Like many high-profile homicide cases, emotions have remained high among the victims’ families, supporters of the accused and members of the community. In that atmosphere, the police naturally became the focal institution for criticism from opposing interests.
Available records, however, indicate that the investigation followed established legal procedures. Police declared the principal suspect wanted after he allegedly fled the country, secured judicial authorisation where necessary, collaborated with INTERPOL to effect his arrest abroad and returned him to Nigeria for prosecution.
Investigation Followed IGP’s Directive
The renewed investigation followed a formal petition dated January 7, 2026, submitted on behalf of the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family of Ajiran.
Acting on the petition, the Inspector-General of Police directed a comprehensive review of the case on January 8, 2026.
The directive was implemented under the then Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, now Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh. Investigators attached to one of the tactical teams at the State Police Headquarters, Ikeja, compiled their findings and forwarded recommendations to the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the statutory body responsible for reviewing criminal case files before prosecution.
Legal observers note that once an investigation file is transmitted to the DPP, relevant portions may become accessible to lawyers and other authorised parties through lawful legal processes.
This distinction has become significant amid recent claims suggesting that investigative records were altered or surfaced publicly only after the case file was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti.
Controversy Over Access to Case Documents
Following the conclusion of supplementary investigations by the State CID Panti and the transmission of the updated case file to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the lead counsel to the principal suspect, Mr. Adedotun Ajulo, reportedly requested certified true copies of the investigation file, including records relating to exhibits allegedly recovered during the investigation.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the request, submitted in writing, was declined by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID, who referred the lawyer to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State. The Commissioner was also said to have declined the request.
However, it was later alleged that the same case documents were attached to a subsequent bail application filed on behalf of the suspect before the High Court.
Sources familiar with the proceedings alleged that the documents may have been lawfully obtained through the Directorate of Public Prosecutions via routine court processes after judicial approval.
The development has generated fresh questions regarding how investigation documents later found their way into the public domain and subsequently featured in commentary by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
There is no public evidence before the court indicating that the documents were unlawfully obtained, and no judicial finding has established any wrongdoing regarding their release.
Social Media Narrative Overshadows Murder Trial
Public controversy intensified after Akanbi reportedly developed serious health complications while in custody.
His medical condition fuelled widespread speculation on social media, where claims emerged alleging that the investigation had been compromised.
Among the most prominent critics was social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), who accused senior police officers of undermining the investigation and questioned the credibility of the criminal justice process.
As the online debate intensified, public attention increasingly shifted away from the two deceased victims, with discussions focusing instead on allegations of institutional misconduct and claims surrounding the principal suspect.
Investigation Records Paint Different Picture
Official investigation records reviewed by our correspondent indicate that detectives obtained eyewitness accounts describing the attacks, confessional statements from arrested suspects allegedly linking key actors to the killings, and corroborative evidence suggesting financial sponsorship of the crimes.
The records further indicate that Akanbi’s arrest followed valid judicial authorisation issued by both a Magistrate Court in Ikeja and the Federal High Court in Lagos before INTERPOL coordinated his arrest in the Republic of Benin.
Police also publicly displayed exhibits reportedly recovered from the suspect, including a 2017 Lexus LX570 Sport Utility Vehicle, an international passport and two mobile phones.
Court Ordered Medical Treatment
Another issue that generated public debate was Akanbi’s continued stay in police custody despite an earlier court order directing his transfer to a correctional facility.
Court proceedings indicate that following concerns over his deteriorating health, the court subsequently ordered that he remain under police custody while receiving treatment at a federal medical facility until he was medically fit to continue trial.
The substantive hearing has been adjourned until November.
Legal experts note that once such medical directives are issued by the court, law enforcement agencies are under a legal obligation to comply. They further emphasise that receiving medical treatment while in custody neither extinguishes criminal liability nor halts prosecution.
Civil Society Groups Defend Investigation
Civil society organisations, including the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) and the South West Youth Alliance (SWYA), have rejected allegations that investigators manipulated evidence or removed suspects’ statements from the case file.
According to both organisations, available records do not support claims that statements made by Safiu Fatai and Yusuf Ismaila disappeared from the investigation file.
They further maintained that Akanbi was declared wanted only after appropriate judicial authorisation had been obtained and noted that investigators documented statements from multiple witnesses, including the widow of one of the deceased victims.
SWYA also stated that its independent findings showed statements from key suspects had been recorded before Akanbi’s arrest, warning that attempts to distort the investigative process could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.
The organisations urged all parties to allow the criminal trial to proceed without intimidation, misinformation or undue external influence, insisting that justice should ultimately be determined by the courts on the basis of admissible evidence, due process and the rule of law rather than competing narratives on social media.
As proceedings continue, the Ajiran double murder trial highlights the growing intersection between criminal justice administration and trial by social media, underscoring the importance of allowing the courts to determine criminal liability based on evidence presented during trial.
