A Lagos-based businessman who had been on the run over allegations of multiple murders and destruction of property has been arrested in the Benin Republic and extradited to Nigeria by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Lagos, Moshood Jimoh, confirmed the arrest during a press briefing at the Zonal Headquarters on Monday, where the suspect was formally handed over to Nigerian authorities.
Jimoh disclosed that the suspect, Ahmed Akanbi, 38, was apprehended on April 15, 2026, at an undisclosed hotel in Cotonou after months of coordinated tracking by international police operatives. He noted that Akanbi had been moving across multiple countries, as reflected in his international passport, since he was declared wanted in connection with a series of violent crimes in Lagos State.
According to the police, the case involves multiple murders, attempted murders, and widespread destruction of lives and property spanning several years. Akanbi had earlier been declared wanted alongside alleged accomplices identified as Safiu Fatai, Yusuf Ismaila, Soji Mascot, and one Kenny.
“I can confirm that he has now been arrested by INTERPOL operatives in the Benin Republic, handed over to INTERPOL Nigeria, and subsequently transferred 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 attention following a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, which triggered a renewed and discreet investigation into killings in the Ojomu community of Lagos.
Preliminary findings, he said, indicate that some arrested accomplices confessed to carrying out the killings on the suspect’s instructions, alleging that he also financed the operations.
Providing further details, Jimoh stated that Sheriff Ishola was killed on April 18, 2023, while Prince Ademola Akinloye was murdered on August 26, 2024, both in the Eti-Osa area of Lagos, in what authorities described as coordinated and premeditated attacks.
He added that earlier investigations by previous Commissioners of Police had made progress, but new evidence later emerged linking the suspect more directly to the crimes.
Jimoh cautioned the public against spreading misinformation or politicising the matter, assuring that the police remain committed to ensuring justice is served.
