Tuesday, April 21, 2026 -A Lagos-based businessman, previously declared wanted over
allegations of multiple killings and property destruction, has been arrested in
the Benin Republic and extradited to Nigeria through the efforts of the
International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone
2 Command, Lagos, Moshood Jimoh, confirmed the development on Monday during a
press briefing at the command’s headquarters, where the suspect was officially
handed over to Nigerian authorities.
According to him, the suspect, Ahmed Akanbi, 38, was
apprehended on April 15, 2026, at a hotel in Cotonou after months of
coordinated tracking by international law enforcement agencies.
He noted that Akanbi had been moving across several
countries, as indicated in his passport records, since he was declared wanted
in connection with a series of violent crimes in Lagos State.
“This case involves multiple murders, attempted murders, and
destruction of lives and property spanning several years. The suspect, Ahmed
Akanbi, was earlier declared wanted alongside other accomplices, Safiu Fatai,
Yusuf Ismaila, Soji Mascot, and one Kenny.
“I can confirm to you that he has now been arrested by
INTERPOL operatives in Benin Republic and handed over to INTERPOL Nigeria, and
today handed to us at Zone 2 command. Investigations will be concluded before
he is charged to court,” Jimoh said.
The AIG explained that the case regained momentum following
a petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, which triggered a
renewed and discreet investigation into a series of killings in the Ojomu area
of Lagos.
Preliminary findings, he said, revealed that some arrested
accomplices had confessed to carrying out the attacks on the instructions of
the suspect, who allegedly financed the operations.
Providing details of the incidents, Jimoh stated that
Sheriff Ishola was killed on April 18, 2023, while Prince Ademola Akinloye was
murdered on August 26, 2024, both within the Eti-Osa axis of Lagos, in what he
described as coordinated and premeditated attacks.
He added that earlier investigations conducted by previous
Commissioners of Police in Lagos had made significant progress, with additional
evidence later emerging to further implicate the suspect.
Jimoh also warned against the spread of misinformation or
attempts to politicise the case, assuring that due process would be followed to
ensure justice is served.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring that
no individual, regardless of status, escapes justice. We will follow due
process and ensure that all those involved are prosecuted,” he said.
He further called on individuals who may have been affected
by the suspect’s alleged activities to come forward with relevant information
to support ongoing investigations. He encouraged victims of property
destruction, financial interference, personal harm, or attempted murder to
submit complaints without fear.
According to him, petitions can be directed to his office,
the AIG in charge of Special Operations, or Commissioners of Police in Lagos
and Ogun states, with assurances that all submissions will be thoroughly
investigated and treated with confidentiality.
Describing the alleged crimes as harmful to national
development, Jimoh said such activities undermine efforts to attract
investment, support small and medium-scale enterprises, and promote housing
development. He assured that the identities of complainants would be protected.
“Victims should not be afraid. They can submit their
petitions, and their identities will be adequately protected,” he added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL, Fidelis
Ogarabe, attributed the arrest to effective international collaboration.
He explained that intelligence received by INTERPOL in
Nigeria led operatives to the suspect’s location in Cotonou, prompting swift
action to apprehend him.
“Our counterparts in Benin Republic cooperated fully. After
due processes, the suspect was handed over to our team and brought back to
Nigeria. We have now transferred him to the AIG in charge of the case for
continuation of investigation,” Ogarabe said.
He added that items recovered from the suspect, including
travel documents, mobile phones, and a luxury vehicle, would aid ongoing
investigations.
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