CSO Raises Alarm Over Prosecution of Lagos Community Leader, Demands Justice
A civil society organisation has petitioned the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly over what it described as an alleged attempt by the state Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to prosecute Alhaji Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi for murder despite what it claims is a lack of prima facie evidence linking him to the crime.
In the petition delivered to the Speaker during a peaceful protest to Assembly the group expressed concern over the continued detention of Akanbi and urged authorities to uphold the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law. The group protested from Ikeja Shopping Mall to the State House of Assembly to deliver the letter.
In a letter dated July 7, 2026, and signed by Emmanuel Kolawole, the group alleged that efforts were being made to prosecute Akanbi over the deaths of Prince Ademola Akinloye and Mr. Sheriff Salami, despite investigations allegedly failing to establish a direct connection between him and the incidents.
According to the organisation, Ajiran Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area has for years been affected by disputes over community land and the distribution of proceeds from such lands.
The group stated that Akanbi had emerged as one of several youth leaders advocating transparency and accountability in the management of community resources.
It argued that previous attempts to link Akanbi to the deaths of Akinloye and Salami had not produced sufficient evidence capable of sustaining criminal liability.
The organisation also raised concerns over the actions of law enforcement authorities, alleging that Akanbi was publicly declared wanted for multiple murder despite reportedly being outside Nigeria during the period relevant to the alleged offences.
The group further criticised alleged public comments made by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Mr. Jimoh Moshood, which it claimed portrayed Akanbi as guilty before any judicial determination of the matter.
According to the petition, such actions undermine the constitutional presumption of innocence and could prejudice ongoing legal processes.
The organisation also alleged that Akanbi’s property was destroyed following his declaration as wanted and questioned the lack of investigation into the incident.
It warned that prosecuting an individual without sufficient evidence would amount to an abuse of prosecutorial powers and a violation of fundamental principles of justice.
The group also expressed concern over allegations that influential individuals were attempting to influence prosecutorial and judicial processes in the matter.
It maintained that the independence of the DPP, the Office of the Attorney-General and the judiciary must remain beyond reproach, stressing that public confidence in the justice system could be eroded by perceptions of undue influence.
Among its demands, the organisation called for the immediate release of the DPP’s legal advice on the matter, the release of Akanbi or the granting of bail on reasonable terms, and strict adherence to constitutional requirements that criminal prosecutions be based on credible and admissible evidence.
The group also sought an independent review of the investigation and prosecutorial process, a public reaffirmation by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice of its commitment to fairness and impartiality, and an investigation into allegations of intimidation, harassment, unlawful destruction of property and abuse of process connected to the case.
Copies of the petition were sent to the Governor of Lagos State, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission.
The organisation warned that if action is not taken within three days of receipt of the letter, it would embark on sustained street protests to press its demands.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the Nigeria Police Force had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.
