Police Vow Prosecution of Trans-Border Murder Suspect, Recover Vehicle and Passport
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Moshood Jimoh, has publicly paraded a 38-year-old multiple murder suspect, Alhaji Tajudeen Hammed Akanbi, following his arrest by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) in Benin Republic. This development marks a significant breakthrough in a complex criminal case spanning several years and involving international cooperation.
Arrest and Recovery of Evidence
Jimoh displayed items recovered from the suspect, including a 2017 Lexus LX 570 luxury vehicle, a passport, and two mobile phones. Akanbi was apprehended on April 15, 2026, in a hotel in Cotonou, where he was notably wearing a T-shirt with the inscription "Wanted Dead or Alive." He was subsequently transferred to Nigeria on April 17, 2026, after intelligence indicated he had been declared wanted in Nigeria for multiple murders.
The arrest was based on fresh evidence linking Akanbi to crimes that occurred before Jimoh assumed office as Commissioner of Police in Lagos, prompting the reopening of cold cases.
Details of the Crimes
Investigations revealed that on April 18, 2023, a group of armed individuals, including 40-year-old Safiu Fatai (also known as Fabo), Yusuf Ismaila, Soji Mascot, and one Kenny, waylaid Sheriff Salami Ishola. Armed with locally fabricated pistols, axes, and machetes, they dragged the victim into an isolated building on Mobile Road in Moba, Ajah, Eti-Osa Local Council. Safiu Salami confessed to holding the victim down, while Yusuf Ismaila (alias Bariga) and others shot him multiple times until he died, after which the suspects fled the scene.
Further findings showed that on August 26, 2024, the same group was involved in the killing of Prince Ademola Akinloye, son of Oba Adetunji Akinloye, the Ojomu of Ajiran land in Eti-Osa, Lagos State. The victim was shot multiple times along Chevron Road in Ajiran in a similar attack. Suspects in custody stated that Akanbi paid them N2 million three days after the first killing, allegedly hiring them for both murders.
Police Statements and Commitment to Justice
Speaking to the press, AIG Jimoh emphasized the police's determination to pursue criminals globally. "We want everyone to know that once you engage in criminal activity no matter where you run to in the world, the Nigeria Police Force will catch up with you," he said. He confirmed that Akanbi was earlier declared wanted alongside accomplices Safiu Fatai, Yusuf Ismaila, Soji Mascot, and Kenny, and has now been arrested by INTERPOL operatives in Benin Republic and handed over to Nigerian authorities.
Jimoh added, "This case involves multiple murders, attempted murders, and destruction of lives and property spanning several years. Investigations will be concluded before he is charged to court." He cautioned against misinformation and attempts to politicize the case, assuring that the police would ensure justice is served through due process.
The AIG urged individuals affected by the suspect's alleged activities to come forward with evidence, promising protection for victims to support ongoing investigations.
International Collaboration and Future Steps
Commissioner of Police for INTERPOL in Lagos, Fidelis Ogarabe, highlighted the role of international cooperation in the arrest. "Our counterparts in Benin Republic cooperated fully. After due processes, the suspect was handed over to our team and brought back to Nigeria," he said. Ogarabe noted that recovered items, including travel documents, mobile phones, and the luxury vehicle, would aid in further investigations, with the suspect now transferred to the AIG for continuation of the case.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring that no individual, regardless of status, escapes justice, with a focus on thorough investigation and prosecution of all involved parties.
