Trial Of Prime Suspect In Ajiran Murder Allegation Adjourned To June 16, As DPP Is Yet To Render Legal Advice

The prosecution of the principal suspect in the alleged murder of two prominent sons of Ajiran Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State commenced on Thursday with his arraignment before Justice Owolabi Ilori of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ogba.

The defendant, Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, 38, was arraigned on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, criminal intimidation, membership of an unlawful society, and alleged attempts to obstruct the course of justice.

The case has attracted significant public interest across Ajiran and neighbouring communities due to the prominence of the victims and the serious allegations contained in the charges filed by the police.

The victims are Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami, a youth leader in the Ojomu Community, who was murdered on April 18, 2023 in Moba Town area near Ajiran, and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, son of the traditional ruler of Ajiran Land, HRM Oba Tijani Akinloye, who was killed on August 26, 2024, along Chevron Road in Lekki.

According to court documents, Akanbi and several accomplices currently at large were accused of conspiring to murder both men in separate incidents.

The prosecution also alleged that on March 22, 2026, while at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos, the defendant and others conspired to obstruct and defeat the course of justice by attempting to offer bribes to judicial officers. The offence is punishable under Section 97 (1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Further charges accused Akanbi of issuing threats through telephone conversations to Prince Jide Akinloye, Aare Bashir Fakorede and Mr. Olagbade Benson. 

The proceedings drew a large turnout of family members of the deceased, community leaders and residents who filled the courtroom to witness the hearing.

Speaking after the proceedings, Prince Jide Akinloye, brother of the late Prince Ademola Akinloye, renewed the family's demand for justice.

“My brother was a peaceful person. He never had any confrontation with anybody. Yet he was murdered in cold blood at about 11 a.m. on a Monday morning along Chevron Road. That speaks volumes. 

"Nobody is truly safe. Who will be the next victim? That is why we are asking for justice,” he said.

Akinloye also recalled the killing of Sheriff Ishola Salami, describing both deaths as tragic and senseless.

“Sheriff was murdered in cold blood. What else can we ask for except justice? That is all we are demanding,” he added.

Despite the visible support shown to the defendant by some individuals present in court, Akinloye, who is also a legal practitioner, expressed confidence in the judicial process.

“As lawyers, we believe in the cause of justice. Whatever may be happening behind the scenes, we believe justice will ultimately prevail. The killer of my brother and Sheriff will face the consequences prescribed by law,” he stated.

Responding to a separate group that staged a demonstration demanding justice and freedom for the defendant, Akinloye maintained that the courts should be allowed to determine the facts of the case.

“If they are asking for justice, they have that right. But we also have evidence that implicates him in the killings. We are simply asking that the truth comes out and that proper justice is done,” he said.

The hearing also highlighted divisions within the community, as supporters of the defendant gathered outside the court carrying placards and calling for his release. 

They maintained that Akanbi is innocent of the allegations and urged authorities to ensure a fair and impartial trial.

The case remains one of the most closely watched criminal proceedings involving the Ajiran Community in recent years, reflecting the strong emotions surrounding the deaths of the two victims.

Following arguments from both the prosecution and defence, Justice Ilori adjourned the matter until June 16, 2026, for further hearing.

As the trial continues, the families of the deceased say they remain hopeful that the court will establish the truth behind the killings and deliver justice, while supporters of the defendant insist he should not be judged in the court of public opinion before the conclusion of legal proceedings.