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The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has arrested Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, a Lagos-based businessman, in Cotonou, Benin Republic over allegations of murder in Lagos state.
In February, Akanbi was declared wanted by the police over alleged involvement in violent crimes in Ajiran community, Eti-Osa LGA of Lagos state.
The Lagos-based businessman was accused of wilful destruction of property and allegedly sending assassins to Ajiran community where Ademola Akinloye, the son of a traditional ruler, was killed.
Akanbi was arrested in a hotel in Cotonou after months of tracking by INTERPOL.
He was handed over to Moshood Jimoh, the assistant inspector-general of police (AIG) in charge of zone 2, on Monday, following his arrest on April 15.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Jimoh said the suspect fled Lagos to different countries in order to evade arrest.
The AIG said the suspect was allegedly involved in multiple murders and destruction of property for many years in Lagos.
“This case involves multiple murders, attempted murders, and destruction of lives and property spanning several years,” Jimoh said.
“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 he was handed to us at Zone 2 command.
“Investigations will be concluded before he is charged to court.”
Jimoh said some accomplices had confessed to carrying out the killings on the suspect’s orders.
The AIG said Sheriff Ishola, a youth leader, was murdered on April 18, 2023, while Akinloye was killed on August 26, 2024 — both in the Eti-Osa axis of Lagos.
