Nigerian Businessman Wanted for Murder Arrested in Benin Republic by INTERPOL
The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has successfully apprehended a Lagos-based businessman, Hammed Tajudeem Akanbi, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, following serious allegations of murder and violent crimes. Akanbi had been declared wanted by Nigerian police authorities for his alleged involvement in a series of brutal incidents within the Ajiran community, located in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Details of the Alleged Crimes and Arrest
The suspect faced accusations of orchestrating the willful destruction of property and allegedly dispatching assassins to the Ajiran community, resulting in the tragic killing of Ademola Akinloye, who was the son of a traditional ruler. After months of intensive tracking efforts by INTERPOL operatives, Akanbi was finally located and arrested at a hotel in Cotonou. His arrest took place on April 15, 2026, and he was subsequently handed over to Moshood Jimoh, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, on Monday, April 20, 2026.
During a press conference held on that Monday, AIG Jimoh provided further insights into the case. He revealed that the suspect had fled Lagos and sought refuge in various countries in a deliberate attempt to evade law enforcement. Jimoh emphasized that Akanbi was allegedly implicated in multiple murders and extensive property destruction over many years in Lagos, describing the case as involving "multiple murders, attempted murders, and destruction of lives and property spanning several years."
Accomplices and Ongoing Investigations
The AIG confirmed that Akanbi had previously been declared wanted alongside several accomplices, including Safiu Fatai, Yusuf Ismaila, Soji Mascot, and an individual known as Kenny. Jimoh stated, "I can confirm to you that he has now been arrested by INTERPOL operatives in Benin Republic and handed over to INTERPOL Nigeria, and today he was handed to us at Zone 2 command." He added that investigations are ongoing and will be thoroughly concluded before the suspect is formally charged in court.
In a significant development, Jimoh disclosed that some of the accomplices have already confessed to carrying out the killings under Akanbi's direct orders. The case includes specific incidents such as the murder of Sheriff Ishola, a youth leader, on April 18, 2023, and the killing of Ademola Akinloye on August 26, 2024, both occurring in the Eti-Osa axis of Lagos. These revelations underscore the severity and long-standing nature of the criminal activities attributed to the suspect.
The arrest marks a critical step in addressing violent crimes in the region, with authorities now focused on ensuring a comprehensive legal process to bring all involved parties to justice.
