Protest as court remands Hammed Tajudeen for another 10 days
Lagos Court Orders Extended Remand for Suspect in Murder Case
A Lagos State Magistrate Court, presided over by Justice L. A. Owolabi, has ordered the remand of Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, also known as Hammed Ajiran, for an additional 10 days. This decision follows the Directorate of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) failure to provide legal advice as previously directed by the court.
Akanbi was initially arraigned on May 22, 2026, on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, membership in an unlawful society, threats of violence, and assault. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the latest court session, Akanbi’s lead counsel, Adedotun Ajulo, submitted a bail application on behalf of his client. However, the court denied the request, citing the need for supplementary legal advice from the DPP due to new evidence that emerged from investigations by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
At the previous hearing, the court instructed the DPP to file its legal advice within 10 days. When the case was brought before the court on Thursday, June 4, 2026, it was revealed that the DPP had not yet provided the advice.
Ajulo informed the court that Akanbi had collapsed following the proceedings on May 22 and has been receiving medical treatment at a police facility. The police prosecutor, A. O. Nwabuisi, confirmed compliance with the court’s earlier order to provide the DPP with the defendant’s duplicate case file and left the decision regarding bail to the court’s discretion.
A representative from the DPP, A. Munir, acknowledged receipt of the duplicate case file but stated that the legal advice was still pending. She assured the court that the advice would be ready before the next scheduled hearing and that the DPP would review the bail application before that date.
In urging the court to keep Akanbi in custody during the short adjournment, Ajulo received the court’s agreement. The case was adjourned for another 10 days, with the defendant ordered to remain in police custody until the DPP’s advice is received.
Supporters of Akanbi, including members of the Ajiran community, gathered outside the court to express their solidarity. They displayed banners and placards demanding his release, asserting his innocence. A viral video clip showed protesters alleging that the prosecution is related to an ongoing land dispute rather than a legitimate murder case and claiming that influential individuals have interests in the community land.
Community representative Mr. Gbenga Gbenga voiced concerns about those whom he accused of orchestrating Akanbi’s legal troubles.
