A group of Lagos residents on Monday held a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, calling for the release of a community leader from Ajiran in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi.
Akanbi is currently in detention over allegations linked to the deaths of Prince Ademola Akinloye and Sheriff Ishola Salami.
His lawyers had earlier raised concerns about bias in the ongoing trial, insisting that a full and fresh investigation should be carried out to ensure justice is served.
During the protest, members of a civil society organisation gathered at the Lagos Assembly carrying placards and demanding his immediate release. They urged lawmakers to ensure fairness, justice, and respect for the rule of law in handling the case.
The protesters marched from Ikeja Shopping Mall to the State House of Assembly, where they submitted a formal petition to the Speaker of the House.
In their statement, they argued that investigations had not clearly proven Akanbi’s direct involvement in the alleged killings. They claimed the dispute may be connected to community land issues and disagreements over how proceeds from the land were shared.
Copies of the petition were also sent to top government officials, including the Lagos State Governor, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the National Human Rights Commission.
The group warned that if no action is taken within three days, they may return to the streets for larger protests.
Akanbi was reportedly arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on April 15 as part of ongoing investigations into the murder allegations.