National Media Community Awards 2025 Recognizes Barrister Morufu Ajani Animashaun, Esq. for Integrity and Impact

The 2025 edition of the National Media Community Award (NMCA) held recently in Lagos brought together an illustrious gathering of media practitioners, government officials, business leaders, and communication experts to celebrate excellence, integrity, and innovation within Nigeria’s media and public service space.

The prestigious award ceremony, organized by the Media Community Network Africa in collaboration with Daily Pride Communications, reaffirmed the NMCA’s growing reputation as one of the nation’s foremost recognition platforms for outstanding contributions to journalism and responsible communication.

Over the years, the NMCA has become a symbol of professional credibility and national unity, rewarding individuals and institutions that exemplify excellence in information dissemination, security consciousness, and socio-economic development through the power of the media.

According to the organisers, this year’s edition is dedicated to celebrating “Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation in Media Practice”, spotlighting personalities whose work has positively shaped narratives and strengthened democracy in Nigeria.

Among the distinguished honourees at this year’s NMCA is Barrister Morufu Ajani Animashaun, a seasoned legal officer at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, whose professional journey embodies dedication, integrity, and excellence in public service.

Born in the early 1970s at the Lagos Island General Hospital, Barrister Animashaun hails from a respected Lagos family. He is married to Mrs. Mojisola Animashaun (née Dada) from Ota, Ogun State, and they are blessed with four children: Kanyinsola, Mitchelle, Clinton, and Obama.

Animashaun began his educational journey at Yewa Primary School, Orile-Agege, and later attended Orile-Agege Community High School, where he earned recognition as a talented young boxer.

He holds an LL.B (Hons) degree from Lagos State University (LASU) and was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing his professional training at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus.

Over the years, he has pursued specialized professional training, including: Alternative Dispute Resolution – Settlement House (2014); Communication and Forensic Skills for Lawyers – Institute of Communications and Corporate Studies (2013); Accredited Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK); Certified Forensic Expert.

Barrister Animashaun joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 1, 2001, and has since served with distinction in various commands and specialized units. His career spans operational, investigative, and legal assignments across several states and departments, including: Oyo State Command – Agodi Division, Iwo Road, and State CID, Iyaganku; Lagos State Command – Isokoko Division; CP Monitoring Unit; Force Headquarters (Kam Salem House) – IGP Monitoring Unit (2003–2009); Ogun State Command – Brief posting (2020); FCID, Alagbon – Legal Officer, General Investigation Section (2020–Present); Currently serving as Legal Officer, Legal/Prosecution Section, FCID Annex, Alagbon, he is widely respected for his legal acumen, investigative depth, and professional integrity.

Throughout his career, Barrister Animashaun has represented the Nigeria Police Force in numerous high-profile criminal and civil cases. Some of his notable cases include: Chief Jimoh Balogun & Ors v. IGP (FHC/AB/CS/67/2017); IGP v. Oliver Nwodo (C/58B/2017); Lompardy Nig. Ltd & Ors v. IGP (FHC/L/CS/1436/2017) — ₦500M suit dismissed; Hon. Ajibola v. IGP (FG/47/49MFHR/2017); Mr. Michael Ajayi v. IGP (FHC/L/CS/714/2017); IGP v. Jelili Elo & Ors; IGP v. Tajudeen Muili & Ors; IGP v. Seun Kuti; IGP v. Fredrick Mmegba — Defendant sentenced to one-year imprisonment (October 2024); Omafume Augustina Ayinuola v. IGP (CA/L/570/24) — Appeal struck out in favour of the IGP.

Barrister Animashaun is affiliated with several professional and international bodies, including: Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); African Bar Association (AfBA); International Bar Association (IBA); International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), California, USA; Institute of Security and Strategic Studies.

His dedication to justice and national service has earned him multiple awards and commendations from professional associations and security organizations, such as: Best Prosecutor of the Year (2024) – Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN); Criminal Prosecutor of the Year (2019) – National Association of Judicial Correspondents (NAJUC); Global Peace Ambassador Award (2021) – World Organization of Ambassadors; Outstanding Legal Icon of the Year (2021) – City Pride Achievers Award; Commendation Certificate – Presented by AIG Usman Al-Hassan Belel on behalf of IGP Usman Alkali Baba (November 2021); Member, National Security Agencies Committee (2025); IGP Award of Commendation – Bestowed by the Inspector-General of Police (June 5, 2025).

From courtroom victories to policy contributions, Inspector Morufu Ajani Animashaun, Esq. continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to justice, discipline, and professional development. His career reflects the best ideals of the Nigeria Police Force service, integrity, and excellence.

In his remarks after receiving the National Media Community Award (NMCA), Barrister Morufu Ajani Animashaun, Esq., expressed profound gratitude to the organisers of Media Community Network Africa and Daily Pride Communications for recognising his contributions to justice and public service.

He dedicated the award to the Nigeria Police Force, particularly his colleagues at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon Annex, noting that the honour reflects the collective effort of officers who uphold integrity, professionalism, and commitment to justice.

Barrister Animashaun also appreciated his family for their unwavering support and encouraged young Nigerians in the legal and security sectors to remain guided by integrity, discipline, and dedication. He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting justice, responsible communication, and national unity through diligent service to the nation.

“I dedicate this award to my family, my wife, Mrs. Mojisola Animashaun, and our children, Kanyinsola, Mitchelle, Clinton, and Obama for their love, patience, and unwavering support. They are the foundation of all that I do.

To young Nigerians, especially those in law and law enforcement, I say this: let integrity be your guide. No matter the challenges, remain steadfast in duty, humble in service, and honest in all your dealings. Excellence is never an accident; it is the result of dedication, discipline, and faith.