The Lagos State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the ongoing Prince Ademola Akinloye murder case with the arrest of nine suspects believed to have played roles in the tragic killing.
The development has revived public attention on the incident, which occurred in August 2024 and sent shockwaves across the Ajiran community in Agungi.
Prince Ademola, son of the Ajiran of Agungi, Oba Tijani Akinloye, was attacked along Chevron Drive near Ebano Supermarket in broad daylight.
Witnesses at the time recounted how armed men confronted him before fatally assaulting him.
The brazenness of the act, carried out in a busy neighborhood, heightened concerns about safety and law enforcement response within the area.
According to sources within the Lagos police, seven of the suspects were apprehended on February 10, 2026, during a coordinated operation by the command’s tactical unit.
Two additional suspects had earlier been arrested a week before, following intelligence-driven operations.
Authorities disclosed that the arrests were the outcome of sustained surveillance, discreet inquiries, and actionable intelligence linking the suspects to the Prince Ademola murder.
Investigators revealed that the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation.
A senior officer familiar with the case explained that the operation was carefully executed to prevent escape or interference.
He emphasized that the murder investigation remains active, with detectives working to establish the specific roles played by each suspect and to identify any additional accomplices.
Further findings suggest that some of the individuals arrested may have connections to another violent incident — the killing of Sheriff Salami in April 2023 in the Moba area of Ajah.
While authorities have not formally merged the cases, they are examining possible links as part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating within the axis.
The Ojomu Royal Family has publicly confirmed its active participation in the murder investigation process.
In a statement jointly signed by Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye and Alhaji Yekini Olawale Bakare, the family stressed that justice must prevail.
They described the killings as painful events that occurred openly within their domain, underscoring the need for accountability.
According to the statement, the royal household’s involvement is not only about seeking justice for Prince Ademola but also about ensuring that residents of the Ajiran community can live without fear.
The family stated that allowing perpetrators to evade justice would undermine peace and stability within the kingdom.
They also noted that achieving closure for the bereaved family remains a top priority.
Beyond the criminal investigation, the Ojomu Royal Family raised concerns about alleged unauthorized land sales within Ajiran.
They cautioned prospective buyers to exercise due diligence before entering property transactions in the area.
Community leaders believe that land-related tensions, misinformation, and vested interests may have contributed to confusion surrounding the narrative of the Prince Ademola murder, though police have not officially categorized the killing as land-related.
Prominent community member and businessman Bashir Fakorede has also voiced support for the police action.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Ola Mohammed, he commended the Lagos police for reviving momentum in the case and ensuring that arrests were made.
He urged authorities to maintain transparency and speed in handling the matter, noting that justice delayed could deepen community tensions.
Fakorede dismissed claims that the killing was merely the result of a land dispute, describing such characterizations as misleading.
He insisted that the gravity of the Prince Ademola murder demands an objective and comprehensive review of evidence rather than speculative narratives.
He further cautioned against protests or acts of vandalism that could distract from the investigation.
Security analysts say the arrests may help restore confidence in law enforcement, especially among residents who had expressed frustration over the length of time between the incident and the latest breakthrough.
The Lagos police have reiterated their commitment to concluding the murder investigation thoroughly and professionally.
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