A coalition of civil rights organisations has thrown its weight behind 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 Nigerians to allow the ongoing Ajiran murder case to proceed strictly in accordance with the law.
The Coalition of Civil Rights Organisations for Good Governance said criminal investigations and judicial proceedings must remain within the constitutional framework, warning against attempts to influence the process through social media campaigns and media sensationalism.
In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Olufemi Lawson and Chief Declan Ihekaire, the coalition commended the Police High Command for demonstrating professionalism, restraint and commitment to the rule of law in addressing issues surrounding the matter.
The group stressed that while public scrutiny of government institutions remains an essential pillar of democracy, criminal investigations and court proceedings must not be reduced to public opinion contests or social media narratives capable of undermining justice.
According to the coalition, AIG Jimoh, like every Nigerian citizen, is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence and the right to defend himself through established investigative and judicial mechanisms without prejudice.
The coalition also applauded the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, for what it described as institutional leadership in ensuring that the administration of criminal justice remains the responsibility of constitutionally empowered agencies rather than online commentators and pressure groups.
Expressing concern over the circulation of confidential investigative documents linked to the Ajiran murder case, the organisations warned that the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive materials could compromise investigations, prejudice judicial proceedings and weaken public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Consequently, the coalition called on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough internal investigation to uncover the source of the leaked documents, identify those responsible and impose appropriate disciplinary measures on any officer or individual found culpable in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The group further maintained that the prosecution of Tajudeen Akanbi over the alleged Ajiran killings should be determined solely on the strength of credible and admissible evidence presented before a court of competent jurisdiction, free from intimidation, political influence or orchestrated media campaigns.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and justice, the coalition urged all stakeholders to respect the independence of the police, oversight institutions and the judiciary. It added that preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system requires equal protection of the rights of victims, suspects, law enforcement personnel and every party involved in the judicial process.