Lagos killings: Family, activists reject push to free suspect

Family members of the murdered Ajiran prince, Ademola Akinloye, and rights activists have condemned calls for the release of a murder suspect standing trial over the alleged killing of two residents of the Ajiran community in Lagos, warning against attempts to undermine the judicial process.

Their position was made known during a press conference organised by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights at the International Press Centre, Ogba, Lagos, on Monday.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mrs Adeola Ogundimu-Akinloye, younger sister of the late Ademola Akinloye, described her brother’s death as a painful loss that the family was still struggling to overcome.

She said, “It was a very tragic and unexpected thing that happened to the family. We still can’t get over it, but we thank God. He was a peaceful and easygoing person who never had issues with anyone.”

Adeola said the family remained resolute in its demand for justice despite what she described as intimidation.

“We don’t want anything more than justice, and it must prevail. Whatever intimidation is on the ground, we believe that light will overcome darkness, and justice will prevail,” she added.

The President of CHSR, Alex Omotehinse, said the briefing was convened to address what he described as growing attempts to distort facts surrounding the killings of Sherif Ishola Agborin in April 2023 and Prince Akinloye in August 2024.

According to him, the organisation had consistently campaigned for justice for the victims and welcomed the arrest of the prime suspect after a prolonged manhunt.

He alleged that two suspects arrested earlier had made statements implicating the prime suspect, who was subsequently declared wanted by the police before being apprehended in the Republic of Benin and handed over to Nigerian authorities.

Omotehinse criticised groups campaigning for the suspect’s release, insisting that civil society organisations should support accountability rather than shield individuals facing serious criminal allegations.

“We are not objecting to advocacy, but the essence of civil society organisations is to check wrongdoing in society, not to be used as a shield for criminal elements,” he said.

He further accused some activists of attempting to influence public opinion by portraying the suspect as a victim, despite the ongoing court proceedings.

While acknowledging that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, Omotehinse urged the public to allow the legal process to run its course.

“The genuine civil society organisations we represent are behind the police in this prosecution. We have laws in this country, and anyone who goes contrary to the law should face the consequences,” he said.

He also expressed concern over events that transpired during a recent court sitting, alleging that family members of the victims were denied access to the court premises while supporters of the suspect were allowed entry.

Omotehinse called on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure that officers handling the case remain impartial and committed to justice.

Also speaking, activist Shina Oluremeko of the Campaign Against Impunity urged Nigerians to support the families of the deceased and resist any attempt to frustrate the prosecution.

“You can’t commit murder in Lagos and expect people not to be interested. An injustice to one is an injustice to all,” he said.

He added that standing with the victims’ families was necessary to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The killings of Agboworin on April 18, 2023, and Prince Akinloye, son of the Ojomu of Ajiranland, Oba Akinloye, in August 2024, sparked widespread protests and demands for justice before the Lagos State Police Command arrested the prime suspect and an alleged accomplice earlier this year.

However, following the commencement of the suspects’ prosecution last week, members of the bereaved families have alleged that sustained campaigns are being orchestrated to distort the facts surrounding the killings and frustrate the trial of the prime suspect.