The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has called on the Lagos State House of Assembly to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing murder trial involving suspects linked to the killings of two prominent indigenes of the Ajiran community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
In a petition addressed to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and dated June 15, 2026, the rights group urged lawmakers to resist any actions capable of undermining the judicial process or influencing public perception of the case.
The petition, signed by CHSR President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, expressed concern over what the group described as attempts by certain interests to interfere with a criminal matter already before a competent court.
According to the organisation, the case relates to the killings of youth leader Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, incidents that occurred in 2023 and 2024 and sparked widespread concern within the Ajiran community.
CHSR recalled that during a press briefing at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja on February 19, 2026, the then Commissioner of Police, now Assistant Inspector-General of Police, publicly declared Ahmed Akanbi wanted following arrests and alleged confessional statements connected to the murders.
The group noted that police investigations reportedly uncovered confessional statements, corroborative evidence and other findings linking suspects to the killings.
However, it expressed concern over recent efforts it said appeared aimed at questioning evidence already before the court and shaping public opinion outside the judicial process.
‘Justice must not be influenced’
The organisation warned that any attempt to interfere with ongoing proceedings could undermine public confidence in the justice system and compromise the rights of victims and their families.
“Deliberate misleading interference will weaken trust in the justice system,” the petition stated.
CHSR further argued that criminal trials must be determined by evidence presented and tested in court rather than external campaigns or pressure from interested parties.
“Criminal proceedings must remain grounded in evidence tested in court, not external pressure,” the group said.
It cautioned that any effort to distort facts surrounding the case could reopen wounds within the Ajiran community and inflict further emotional trauma on bereaved families still seeking justice.
Call for legislative restraint
The group urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to exercise caution and avoid being drawn into actions that could be interpreted as interference in a matter already before the courts.
According to the petition, there is a need to protect judicial independence and ensure that investigative and prosecutorial processes proceed without obstruction.
“There is a need to safeguard judicial integrity to discourage any form of interference or narrative capable of undermining court proceedings,” CHSR stated.
The group also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability throughout the judicial process, insisting that all stakeholders must allow the rule of law to take its course.
“Justice must remain anchored on facts, evidence and due process, not sentiment or selective advocacy,” the petition added.
Test of institutional credibility
CHSR described the ongoing case as a significant test of institutional integrity and democratic accountability in Lagos State.
The organisation expressed confidence that the judiciary and law enforcement agencies would discharge their responsibilities professionally and ensure that justice is ultimately served.
“We therefore call on the Lagos State House of Assembly under your leadership to lend unalloyed support to the cause of justice in this matter,” Omotehinse wrote.
“We expect that the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly will not allow the legislature to be drawn into the gambit of falsehood aimed at subverting justice.”
The petition concluded by urging all parties to respect due process and allow the courts to determine the matter based solely on the evidence before them.
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