The Centre for Citizens Right Protection (CCRP) has called on the Nigeria Police Force to declare Bashir Fakorede and Babajide Akinloye wanted over their alleged roles in the Ajiran community killings in Lagos State, while demanding an independent review of the police investigation into the case.
The group made the demand during a press briefing in Lagos, where its representatives, Abe Emmanuel Kolawole and Isijola Samuel, urged the Inspector-General of Police to constitute an independent panel to re-examine the investigation, alleging that critical aspects of the case had not been thoroughly investigated.
The CCRP also criticised what it described as a media campaign organised by individuals defending the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Moshood Jimoh, over his role in the prosecution of Alhaji Tajudeen Akanbi.
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According to the organisation, the press conference held in support of the senior police officer failed to address the substantive concerns raised by civil society organisations regarding the conduct of the investigation and prosecution.
The group said its concerns were not about the sequence of police postings or which officer served as Commissioner of Police during earlier investigations, but about what it described as unanswered questions surrounding the handling of the Ajiran killings case.
It questioned why, in its view, police investigators had focused on prosecuting Akanbi while other individuals whose names had allegedly surfaced in connection with the case had not been subjected to similar scrutiny.
The organisation specifically called for transparent investigations into allegations involving Bashir Fakorede and Babajide Akinloye, as well as other persons whose names it claimed had repeatedly featured in discussions surrounding the incident.
"The Nigerian public deserves factual answers, not sponsored press conferences or attempts to intimidate citizens demanding accountability," the group said.
The CCRP argued that public confidence in criminal investigations could only be strengthened through transparency, impartiality and the equal application of the law.
It maintained that if Alhaji Tajudeen Akanbi has a case to answer, the courts should determine his culpability based on credible evidence, but insisted that the same standard should apply to every other individual whose alleged involvement has been brought to the attention of investigators.
The group called on the Inspector-General of Police to order a comprehensive and independent review of the entire investigation into the Ajiran killings to ensure that all credible allegations are examined without bias.
It also urged the Lagos State Police Command to declare Fakorede and Akinloye wanted over their alleged roles in the killings, warning that it would stage a protest at the Force Headquarters within 48 hours if no action was taken.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice, the CCRP said it would continue to monitor developments in the case while advocating fairness, accountability and equal justice under the law.
The allegations contained in the statement are claims made by the CCRP. At the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force and the individuals named had not publicly responded to the allegations.
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