The Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) has called on the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, to ensure the trial of suspects linked to the gruesome murder of two Ajiran indigenes, Mr Sheriff Salami and Kazeem Akinloye, without further delay.

President of CHSR, Alex Omotehinse, made the appeal yesterday at a press conference in Lagos, where he also demanded that the suspects be promptly arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to guarantee unhindered prosecution.

Omotehinse said the two separate incidents, which occurred in April 2023 and August 2024 respectively, remain stark reminders of the grave threat posed by organised violence and the urgent need for institutional accountability.

He noted that CHSR, acting within its statutory mandate to defend justice and protect citizens’ rights, considered it necessary to address the public on developments surrounding the cases and the ongoing legal process, particularly in view of emerging facts, procedural concerns and alleged attempts to frustrate justice.

According to him, beyond a mere criminal investigation, the matter has evolved into a broader test of the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system, the resilience of law enforcement institutions and society’s collective resolve against impunity.

Omotehinse disclosed that Ahmed Akanbi was declared wanted by the police following the arrest and confessional statements of two principal suspects allegedly linked to the killings.

According to the police account cited by the group, on April 18, 2023, at about 2:00 p.m., Safiu Fatai, Yusuf Ismaila, Soji Mascot and Kenny, armed with a locally fabricated pistol, axe and machetes, allegedly ambushed Sheriff Salami Ishola.

The victim was reportedly taken to an isolated building along Mobile Road in Moba, Ajah, where he was restrained and shot multiple times at close range, resulting in his death.

The assailants were said to have fled the scene immediately after the attack.

On the second incident, the group alleged that the same suspects adopted a similar modus operandi in the killing of Prince Ademola Akinloye, son of Oba Adetunji Akinloye, the Ojomu of Ajiran Land.

The attack reportedly occurred on August 26, 2024, at about 11:00 a.m. along Chevron Road, where the victim was allegedly shot several times, leading to his death.

Further disclosures from suspects in custody, according to CHSR, revealed that both crimes were allegedly carried out on the orders of Akanbi, who was accused of sponsoring the operations.

The group said the suspects allegedly confessed that they were promised N2 million, with an initial payment of N500,000 each after the first killing, alongside promises of foreign travel opportunities and enhanced social status.

CHSR stressed that while the revelations provided disturbing but important insight into the nature of the crimes, it remained deeply concerned over procedural delays and the handling of the matter, especially regarding timely prosecution.