Murder Investigation In Lagos Stalled By Ogun Official, Case Now Under Abuja’s Jurisdiction

The suspects—Hammed Olayiwola, 45; Taofeek Ajasa, 47; Samuel Ajose, 39; Segun Elijah, 54; Segun Dada, 54; and Elijah Adeogun, 43—were arrested by police at Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, following a violent incident in Osuke village, Ado-Odo, Ota, Ogun State. The incident stemmed from a petition submitted to the Inspector General of Police by Lanre Balogun and Co., representing the Ileke family, accusing Adeogun Elijah and others of criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, causing grievous harm, attempted murder, and murder.

Reports indicate that the incident in Osuke village involved an armed invasion with sophisticated weapons that disrupted the peace, resulting in the fatal shooting of Saheed Jinadu, 24. Police sources confirmed the recovery of key evidence, including two expended AK-47 rifle ammunition shells and two spent cartridges.

Despite the promising start to the investigation, with the police securing court orders to remand the suspects and pursue further forensic analysis, the case took a turn when a government official from Ogun State, reportedly linked to the church that had purchased land central to the dispute, intervened. The official allegedly used their influence to block attempts to remand the suspects in Ogun State and sought their release.

Police sources revealed that the official also obstructed access to the autopsy results and forensic analysis of the recovered ammunition. Ogun State Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, accused the police of being manipulated by land grabbers, criticizing the apparent misconduct by investigators. He stated that his office had been forced to discontinue the false charges due to errors in the police investigation.

As the situation escalated, the case and the suspects were transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation. Efforts are also ongoing to capture additional suspects still at large.