CSOs seek probe of SCID over Lagos prince’s murder case

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A coalition of civil society organisations on Wednesday urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, over alleged misconduct in the investigation of the murder of Prince Ademola Akinloye, son of the Ajiran of Agungi, Oba Tijani Akinloye, and one Sheriff Salami.

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The coalition also dismissed allegations of corruption and abuse of office levelled against the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, describing the claims as unfounded.

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Addressing journalists in Lagos, the coordinator of the Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership, Femi Lawson, who spoke on behalf of the others, alleged that some officers attached to the Delta Force Unit at the SCID had engaged in acts that could compromise the investigation.

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The coalition said, “We call on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID alongside officers overseeing the D9 and D4 units. Any personnel found culpable should be identified and sanctioned.

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“We also urge the Inspector-General of Police to ensure strict neutrality and professionalism in the handling of this case.”

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The groups further urged the police authorities to prevent certain retired officers from interfering in the investigation and prosecution of the murder case.

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They also called on the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Chief Judge of Lagos State to clarify the custodial status of Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, the prime suspect in the killings of Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye.

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“We are concerned about reports of non-compliance with court orders directing the remand of the prime suspect at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre. Immediate clarification is required, while all subsisting court orders should be fully enforced,” the coalition said.

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The coalition, however, defended Jimoh against allegations of corruption, bias and abuse of office in the handling of the investigation.

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It said, “We categorically reject recent allegations accusing AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh of corruption, bias or abuse of office. After reviewing official records and documented proceedings, we found the claims to be baseless, reckless and intentionally misleading.

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“There is no credible evidence to support the allegations. Rather, the AIG’s actions demonstrate discipline, professionalism and fidelity to the law.”

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According to the coalition, the Inspector-General of Police ordered a fresh investigation into the case in January following a petition by the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family, leading to fresh evidence, including eyewitness accounts and confessional statements.

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“The renewed investigation yielded eyewitness testimony, confessional statements from arrested suspects, and corroborative evidence suggesting financial sponsorship and orchestration of the killings,” the groups said.

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They added that Akanbi’s arrest followed due process and was backed by valid court orders and international collaboration through INTERPOL.

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The coalition maintained that justice must be served for the slain victims.

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“Justice must be served for Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye. No suspect, regardless of influence, should evade accountability, while law enforcement agencies must be allowed to perform their duties free from intimidation or manipulation,” it added.

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The statement was jointly signed by representatives of the Centre for Advocacy for Credible Leadership, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, Centre for Physically Challenged and Human Rights, Campaign Against Impunity, Campaign for Dignity in Governance, Care and Justice for Women and Children, Mekunukoya, and Voice of the Masdes.

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The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, could not be reached as calls made to her telephone lines were not responded to. A text message sent to her had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was filed.

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