A civil society organization (CSO) has expressed strong disapproval regarding the continued detention of Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, citing a court order. The CSO, led by Comrade Kolawole Emmanuel, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, demanding that Mr. Akanbi be moved to an impartial investigative unit and that he be granted full access to his lawyers and family.
The organization stated that its investigations indicate this situation is linked to an ongoing conflict within the Ojomu Royal Family of Ajiran, located in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State. This family dispute, they noted, has persisted for an extended period and predates the current Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Jimoh Moshood Olorundare.
The core of the land dispute involves control over extensive ancestral territories covering more than 22 communities. This has led to a division within the community, with one group supporting the traditional ruler and another backing Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, who leads the Youth Wing of the Ojomu Royal Family.
A concerning development highlighted by the CSO is the alleged ambition of Bashir Fakorede to claim the Ojomu throne while the incumbent monarch is still alive. Reports suggest that Mr. Fakorede views Mr. Akanbi as a significant impediment to this aspiration and has publicly stated his intent to neutralize him.
Furthermore, a murder accusation, which had previously been investigated and resolved, was reportedly revived under suspicious circumstances. Allegations suggest that individuals were apprehended arbitrarily and compelled to provide false statements implicating Mr. Akanbi in the death of one Sheriff Salami.
Despite Mr. Akanbi being abroad for medical treatment, a declaration that he was wanted was issued on February 19, 2026, a move described as procedurally flawed. This action reportedly incited acts of violence and property destruction targeting Mr. Akanbi in Ajiran.
Mr. Akanbi initiated legal action at the Ikeja High Court (Suit No: ID/21447MFHR/2026) to contest this declaration. It was noted that a prior arrest and remand order obtained through Charge No: Misc/60A/2026 was nullified by the same court due to the misrepresentation and withholding of crucial facts.
A subsequent application (Charge No: MISC/126/2026) was also dismissed, with the court stipulating that proper procedures should be followed upon his return.
Following a petition dated February 23, 2026, the Inspector General of Police ordered that the case be transferred to the X-Squad, FCID, Alagbon.
Despite the court's clear directive in charge no: MISC/126/2026 for proper procedures to be followed by inviting Mr. Akanbi, he was apprehended in Benin Republic by police officers while en route to Nigeria from France, based on claims of being declared wanted. He was subsequently transferred to Nigeria on April 17, 2026.
Since his arrival in Nigeria, he has allegedly endured inhumane and degrading treatment. The specific details of this treatment were not elaborated upon in the provided text, but the CSO's statement implies a pattern of mistreatment.
In light of these circumstances, the CSO has issued a 24-HOUR ULTIMATUM to the Inspector General of Police. The demands include the immediate transfer of Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi to a neutral and independent investigative unit, ensuring unrestricted access to legal counsel, family members, and medical professionals. They also call for a comprehensive, transparent, and independent inquiry into the involvement of all implicated police officers and individuals, particularly Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, and a strict adherence to court rulings and due process.
The CSO warned that failure to comply within the specified timeframe would lead to further actions, including legal challenges, petitions to oversight bodies, and coordinated civil advocacy at national and international levels.
They concluded by stating that this is a critical moment for the rule of law in Nigeria and urged the Inspector General of Police to act decisively to restore faith in the Nigeria Police Force.
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