The ongoing alleged murder trial involving Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, popularly known as Ahmed Ajiran, has generated widespread public attention, particularly following his recent video appeals to the President, the Inspector-General of Police, VeryDarkMan and other prominent Nigerians, asking them to intervene and "save" him.
However, beyond the emotions and social media narratives, one fundamental question remains: What exactly is the justice being sought when the judicial process is already underway?
According to publicly available accounts of the case, the investigation began after the killings of Sheriff Agboworin and Prince Ademola Akinloye. During the investigation, two suspects arrested in connection with the case allegedly implicated Ahmed Ajiran. They reportedly claimed that he promised them three rewards for carrying out the alleged killings: an appointment within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), ₦2 million, and assistance to travel abroad. According to the allegations, two of these promises were fulfilled while one remained outstanding before their arrest.
Based on these allegations, the police invited Ahmed Ajiran for questioning.
Instead of honouring the invitation, he allegedly failed to appear despite being given ample time to do so. He was subsequently declared wanted by the police. Reports further indicate that he later travelled outside Nigeria and was eventually arrested by INTERPOL in Cotonou before being extradited to Nigeria to face prosecution.
These are matters that deserve to be tested in court, not on social media.
Following his return, efforts were reportedly made to secure his bail at the Magistrate Court, but the application was unsuccessful. Since murder is a capital offence, jurisdiction ultimately rests with the High Court after legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Once the DPP's legal advice was issued, the matter was transferred to the High Court before Justice A.T. Muyideen. During the proceedings, the court reportedly questioned why the defendant had remained in police custody for an extended period and ordered that he be remanded at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre pending trial, with any necessary medical treatment to be provided there. His co-defendants also remain in custody while the trial continues.
These developments demonstrate that the judicial process may functions The court has assumed jurisdiction, hearings have commenced, and the defendant has legal representation.
That, in itself, is what justice looks like in a constitutional democracy.
Justice is not achieved through viral videos, public campaigns or rented crowds of protesters. Rather, it is achieved through evidence, witnesses, cross-examination and the impartial determination of a competent court.
If Ahmed Ajiran maintains that he is innocent, the courtroom remains the proper place to establish that innocence. The law presumes every defendant innocent until proven guilty, and he is entitled to a fair trial. At the same time, the families of the deceased equally deserve to see the allegations thoroughly examined by the courts.
Public sympathy cannot replace due process. If the judicial process is already in motion, then the proper course is to participate fully in that process and allow the court to determine the facts based on the evidence presented.
The repeated reports of illness and the inability to participate in proceedings naturally invite public scrutiny. Nevertheless, any genuine health concerns should be addressed through appropriate medical evaluation within the custodial system, in line with the court's directive. Such concerns should not become a substitute for the judicial process.
Ultimately, this case is bigger than any individual. It is about public confidence in the justice system. Whether the evidence ultimately establishes guilt or innocence is a question for the court to determine, not social media or the court of public opinion.
The only sustainable path forward is straightforward. Let the court hear the evidence. Let both the prosecution and the defence present their cases. Let the law run its full course. Above all, let justice prevail for everyone involved.
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