How one family's search for justice became a test of public trust in policing

A Land Dispute in Ajiran Turns Deadly

For more than three years, the pain of losing a loved one refused to fade in Ajiran, Lagos. What began as a dispute over land ownership gradually spiralled into a string of violent deaths, leaving grieving families, anxious residents and civil society organisations demanding answers from law enforcement authorities. Through protests, petitions, public hearings and sustained advocacy, one question continued to echo: would justice ever come?

According to Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, CHSR, President, Mr Alex Omotehinse, the organisation first became involved in 2023 after allegations of land grabbing involving a Nigerian-American returnee who had allegedly purchased land in Ajiran only for the property to be resold by others. The matter soon took a darker turn. On April 18, 2023, Sherif Shola was murdered - his death transforming what had been a land dispute into a criminal investigation that deeply unsettled the community.

The matter began on April 18, 2023, when Mr Sherif Shola was murdered. Following the incident, members of the Yomu family and some residents formally approached our office, and we began advocacy on the matter.

— Alex Omotehinse, President, CHSR

From Protest Grounds to a Second Murder in 2024

As investigations appeared to stall, Sherif's widow became one of the leading voices demanding accountability. CHSR joined her in organising a protest to the Lagos State Police Command, where then Acting Commissioner of Police, Wahab Dahiru, received their petition. Omotehinse said the organisation was later surprised when it was allegedly suggested during proceedings at the House of Assembly that the police had no knowledge of the matter despite publicly receiving the petition.

Rather than retreat, the campaign intensified. Then, in 2024, tragedy struck again - another resident, Ademola, was reportedly murdered under similar circumstances, heightening fears that violence linked to the dispute was escalating. At one hearing before the Lagos State House of Assembly, emotions overflowed when Sherif's widow confronted a suspect face-to-face.

At a House of Assembly hearing, Sherif's widow confronted the suspect directly, saying, 'You are the one who killed my husband.' It was a face-to-face confrontation.

— Alex Omotehinse

For the advocacy group, however, emotion alone could not replace evidence.

As a civil society organisation, we were not eyewitnesses to the crime, so we maintained our advocacy while allowing the truth to emerge through investigation.

— Alex Omotehinse

A 2025 Breakthrough and the Declaration of a Wanted Suspect

The campaign continued despite repeated frustrations. According to CHSR, officers from the Ogombo Police Division, including senior officers, were invited over the matter as pressure mounted for progress. A breakthrough eventually came in 2025 when two suspects were arrested, renewing public confidence that the investigation had regained momentum.

CHSR said it became further encouraged after then Lagos State Commissioner of Police, now AIG Olohundare Jimoh, publicly briefed journalists on the investigation and later declared the principal suspect, Tajudeen Ahmed Akobi, wanted.

At that point, we became convinced that there were still police officers willing to stand firmly for justice despite the intense pressure, alleged bribery attempts and efforts at compromise surrounding the case.

— Alex Omotehinse

When Akobi was eventually arrested and returned through established legal channels, the organisation decided it was equally important to publicly commend the police.

As civil society actors, our responsibility is to hold government institutions accountable. Where they fail, we challenge them. Where they succeed, we must also commend them.

— Alex Omotehinse

A Commendation Letter, and a Plea for Continued Vigilance

While presenting a letter titled "Commendation of Professional Conduct and Request for Continued Oversight Over the Ajiran Murder Incident," CHSR urged the police leadership not to allow the investigation to be compromised. The organisation praised Jimoh's handling of both the Ajiran murder investigation and another case involving the Ogwudione matter, describing both as examples of professional policing. However, Omotehinse appealed for continued vigilance.

We also appeal to the AIG to ensure that the good work already done is not undermined by any officers who may seek to compromise the investigation.

— Alex Omotehinse

"This Is Not About Me" - AIG Jimoh Credits the Force

Responding, AIG Jimoh shifted the spotlight away from himself and onto the Nigeria Police Force, insisting that the commendation belonged to every officer who participated in the investigation. According to him, growing public confidence in the police stems from a renewed commitment to integrity and professionalism under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

Across Nigeria, from Sokoto to Lagos, from the North-East to the South-South, more citizens are beginning to trust the ability of the police to secure lives and property and to ensure that criminal cases, especially capital offences, are not swept under the carpet.

— AIG Olohundare Jimoh, Zone 2 Command

Jimoh disclosed that the investigation was reopened after additional evidence linked the principal suspect to both murders. He explained that once the investigation file reached his office, he authorised the declaration of the suspect as wanted - an operation that involved collaboration with Interpol.

People should understand that committing a crime and fleeing abroad does not place anyone beyond the reach of the law. Whether it takes days, weeks or months, law enforcement agencies will continue to pursue offenders.

— AIG Olohundare Jimoh

Without disclosing details because the matter is now before the court, Jimoh confirmed that all principal suspects had been arrested and charged.

The principal suspect, Tajudeen Ahmed Akobi, has also been arrested and is now before the court alongside the others.

— AIG Olohundare Jimoh

A Message Beyond Ajiran

Perhaps the most powerful moment came when Jimoh insisted that justice was never about personal recognition.

I want to emphasise that this is not about me as an individual. It is about the Nigerian Police Force. I am simply carrying out my duty as a police officer to ensure that every case under my supervision is properly investigated.

— AIG Olohundare Jimoh

He urged that the commendation be extended to investigators who worked behind the scenes, noting that their efforts ensured not only that justice could be pursued in these two cases but also that a clear message would be sent that murder and other serious crimes will not go unpunished in Nigeria. He also called on civil society groups to continue engaging constructively with law enforcement agencies, noting that criticism remains valuable when aimed at strengthening institutions rather than undermining lawful investigations.

For the families who have spent years navigating grief, courtrooms and public advocacy, the legal process is still unfolding. Yet, for many observers, Friday's event represented something deeper than an exchange of commendations. It reflected a rare convergence of grieving families, civil society and law enforcement united by a common belief - that justice, though often delayed, should never be abandoned, and that public trust is built one resolved case at a time.