A businessman, Hammed Akanbi, has been arrested and is currently in police custody over his alleged involvement in the murder of Prince Ademola Akinloye, the son of the Ajiran of Agungi, Oba Tijani Akinloye, and a Lagos youth leader, Sheriff Ishola Salami.
The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Command, Onikan, confirmed the development, stating that the suspect, who had been on the run for months, was apprehended in an undisclosed hotel in Cotonou, Benin Republic, through a joint operation involving the International Criminal Police Organisation, INTERPOL.
Addressing journalists, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh said Hammed Tijani Akanbi, 38, was declared wanted on February 19 over alleged involvement in multiple violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder, and destruction of property.
He was subsequently handed over to the Zone 2 Command on April 15 following his arrest.
AIG Jimoh disclosed that the suspect allegedly financed and coordinated attacks in Ajiran community, including the killing of Prince Ademola Akinloye, 38, who was shot and butchered by gunmen on August 26, 2024, along Chevron Drive near Ebeano Supermarket in Agungi, and Sheriff Ishola Salami, 37, who was murdered on April 18, 2023, in an isolated building in Moba Town, Ajah, in separate incidents in Eti-Osa area of Lagos.
According to the AIG, Akanbi fled across several countries to evade arrest after being declared wanted, but was eventually tracked and captured through international intelligence collaboration.
He added that the arrest followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police to reopen and conclude investigations into the killings and related cases that had heightened tension in parts of Lagos.
“This case involves multiple murders, attempted murders, and destruction of lives and property spanning several years. The suspect was earlier declared wanted alongside other accomplices,” Jimoh said, naming Safiu Fatai, Yusuf Ismaila, Soji Mascot, and one Kenny as alleged collaborators.
He further revealed that preliminary investigations and confessions from some arrested accomplices indicated that the killings were carried out on Akanbi’s instructions.
The police boss noted that the case gained renewed momentum after a petition to the Inspector-General of Police prompted a fresh investigation, which uncovered new evidence linking the suspect directly to the crimes.
Jimoh assured the public that the police would ensure justice is served, warning against misinformation or attempts to politicise the case.
He also urged victims of the suspect’s alleged criminal activities to come forward with useful information to aid ongoing investigations.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring that no individual, regardless of status, escapes justice. All those involved will be prosecuted in line with the law,” he said.
Also speaking, Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL, Fidelis Ogarabe, said the suspect’s arrest was made possible through international collaboration.
He explained that intelligence on Akanbi’s whereabouts in Cotonou led to his swift arrest by operatives, with the cooperation of authorities in Benin Republic.
Items recovered from the suspect, including travel documents, mobile phones, and a luxury vehicle, are expected to aid further investigations.
Police authorities said investigations would be concluded before the suspect is charged to court, as efforts continue to apprehend other accomplices linked to the killings.
