By Esther Onyegbula

Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, has declared that the Nigeria Police Force will not allow murder and other capital offences to be swept under the carpet, insisting that criminal suspects would be pursued wherever they flee.

Jimoh spoke recently while receiving members of the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, CHSR, at the Zone 2 Police Command headquarters in Lagos, where the civil society organisation presented him with a commendation letter recognising his role in the investigation of the Ajiran murder cases.

According to the AIG, the increasing confidence Nigerians are showing in the police stems from the Force’s renewed commitment to professionalism, accountability and diligent prosecution of criminal cases.

“The Nigerian Police Force appreciates this gesture,” Jimoh said.

“As you have rightly noted, public confidence in the police is growing. 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.”

He attributed the renewed public confidence to the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, whom he said has consistently emphasised integrity, fairness and professionalism among officers.

Speaking on the Ajiran murders, Jimoh described the matter as a straightforward criminal investigation that was diligently handled by the police.

“We have closely followed this matter. It was, from the outset, a straightforward criminal case that should never have been complicated. Two prominent sons of the Ajiran community were murdered, and the police had a duty to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice,” he said.

He disclosed that the principal suspects had been arrested and charged to court, while the final principal suspect, had also been apprehended and arraigned alongside the others.

“The case was reopened after additional evidence emerged linking the suspect to both murders. Once the investigation file reached my office, I acted promptly and authorised the public declaration of the suspect as wanted,” Jimoh said.

The AIG revealed that the investigation involved collaboration with Interpol, stressing that fleeing abroad would not shield suspects from prosecution.

“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.

“Some individuals attempted to frustrate the investigation, but the police stood firm,” he added.

He also dedicated the commendation to the officers who investigated the matter.

“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.

“I therefore request that any commendation given to me should also be extended to the officers and men who worked tirelessly on this matter.

“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 said.

Jimoh reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to resolving unresolved homicide cases and called on civil society organisations to continue partnering with law enforcement agencies in promoting justice, accountability and public safety. He also urged journalists to monitor court proceedings objectively, noting that homicide cases remain matters of significant public interest.

Earlier, President of CHSR, Mr. Alex Omotehinse, commended the AIG for what he described as his professionalism and commitment to justice in the Ajiran murder investigation, urging him to sustain oversight to prevent any compromise of the ongoing prosecution.

Omotehinse said the organisation became involved after the April 18, 2023 killing of Mr. Sherif Shola, following appeals by members of the Yomu family and residents of Ajiran.

He explained that the matter initially centred on allegations of land grabbing involving a Nigerian-American returnee before escalating into a murder investigation.

According to him, CHSR consistently advocated for justice for the victims and their families, expressing confidence in the investigation after two suspects were arrested in 2025 and the principal suspect, was declared wanted before his eventual arrest.

“We 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,” Omotehinse said.