Civil society coalition backs police, seeks due process in Ajiran murder case

A coalition of civil rights organisations has backed the Nigeria Police Force over its handling of allegations involving the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, urging that the ongoing Ajiran murder case be allowed to run its course without media interference.

The Coalition of Civil Rights Organisations for Good Governance said criminal investigations and judicial proceedings should be conducted within the framework of the law and not be subjected to what it described as “media trials” driven by social media campaigns.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Olufemi Lawson and Chief Declan Ihekaire, the coalition commended the Police High Command for what it described as its commitment to professionalism and the rule of law in responding to the controversy surrounding AIG Jimoh.

The group said while public scrutiny of government institutions is essential in a democracy, criminal investigations and court proceedings should not be reduced to social media content or influenced by online campaigns.

It maintained that AIG Jimoh, like every other Nigerian, is entitled to the constitutional right to defend himself through established investigative and judicial processes.

The coalition also praised the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, for what it described as institutional maturity in ensuring that criminal justice remains the responsibility of constitutionally recognised agencies rather than public opinion shaped on social media.

Expressing concern over the circulation of confidential investigative materials relating to the ongoing trial, the coalition warned that such leaks could undermine the integrity of criminal proceedings and prejudice the administration of justice.

It called on the Nigeria Police Force to carry out a comprehensive internal investigation to determine the source of the leaked documents and identify those responsible for the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive case materials.

According to the coalition, anyone found to have facilitated or participated in leaking official police documents should be investigated and subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the law.

The group further stressed that the prosecution of Tajudeen Akanbi over the alleged Ajiran killings should be determined solely on the basis of admissible evidence presented before a competent court, free from intimidation, public pressure or attempts to sway judicial proceedings through media campaigns.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and justice, the coalition urged all stakeholders to allow the police, oversight institutions and the courts to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without interference.

It added that safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system requires equal respect for the rights of victims, suspects, law enforcement officers and all other parties involved in the judicial process.