Family members of slain Ajiran prince, Ademola Akinloye, alongside civil rights advocates, have strongly opposed growing calls for the release of a suspect currently facing trial over the alleged killings of two residents of the Ajiran community in Lagos State.
The position was made public on Monday during a press conference organised by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) at the International Press Centre in Ogba, Lagos.
The groups warned against attempts to interfere with the judicial process, insisting that the ongoing prosecution should be allowed to proceed without intimidation or manipulation.
Speaking on behalf of the Akinloye family, Mrs Adeola Ogundimu-Akinloye, younger sister of the late prince, described the loss of her brother as devastating and painful for the family.
According to her, the family is still struggling to recover from the tragedy but remains determined to pursue justice to the end.
“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,” she said.
Adeola maintained that the family would not be discouraged by alleged intimidation or pressure surrounding the case.
“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.
President of CHSR, Alex Omotehinse, said the briefing became necessary due to what he described as increasing efforts to distort facts relating to the killings of Sherif Ishola Agborin in April 2023 and Prince Akinloye in August 2024.
He stated that the organisation had consistently demanded justice for the victims and commended security agencies for apprehending the prime suspect after what he described as an extended manhunt.
According to Omotehinse, two earlier suspects allegedly made statements implicating the main defendant, who was later declared wanted by the police before being arrested in the Republic of Benin and subsequently transferred to Nigerian authorities.
He criticised campaigners advocating the suspect’s release, arguing that civil society groups should focus on promoting accountability rather than defending individuals facing grave 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 stated.
Omotehinse further alleged that some activists were attempting to sway public opinion by presenting the suspect as a victim despite the matter already being before the court.
While acknowledging that every defendant remains innocent until proven guilty, he urged Nigerians to allow the judicial process to take its course without interference.
“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 added.
The activist also raised concerns over events during a recent court session, alleging that relatives of the deceased were prevented from entering the courtroom while supporters of the suspect gained access.
He appealed to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure neutrality among officers handling the case and to guarantee justice for the victims’ families.
Another activist, Shina Oluremeko of the Campaign Against Impunity, called on Nigerians to stand with the bereaved families and resist efforts aimed at frustrating 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.
Oluremeko stressed that supporting the victims’ families was essential to ensuring accountability and discouraging future acts of violence.
The killings of Agboworin on April 18, 2023, and Prince Akinloye, son of the Ojomu of Ajiranland, Oba Akinloye, in August 2024, had triggered protests and public demands for justice across the Ajiran community and beyond.
The Lagos State Police Command later arrested the prime suspect alongside an alleged accomplice earlier this year.
However, following the commencement of prosecution proceedings last week, members of the bereaved families alleged that coordinated campaigns were being carried out to twist facts surrounding the killings and frustrate the trial process.
