The organisation said the endorsement by the Coalition of Civil Rights Organisations for Good Governance reinforces an important democratic principle: criminal investigations must be determined by facts, evidence and the courts—not by social media campaigns, speculation or trial by public opinion.
The coalition, in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Olufemi Lawson and Chief Declan Ihekaire, urged Nigerians to allow the ongoing Ajiran murder case to proceed strictly within the constitutional and judicial framework, while commending the Nigeria Police Force for demonstrating professionalism, restraint and fidelity to the rule of law throughout the investigation.
The National Patriots aligns with this position and commends the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, and the Police High Command for resisting external pressure and ensuring that due process remains the foundation of criminal investigations. The organisation noted that the true strength of any democracy lies not in the volume of public commentary but in the independence, professionalism and credibility of its institutions.
According to the National Patriots, while citizens have every right to demand accountability from public institutions, justice can only be achieved when investigations are allowed to run their lawful course without intimidation, misinformation or coordinated attempts to influence judicial outcomes.
The organisation further observed that AIG Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, like every Nigerian, enjoys the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law. Equally, it stressed that justice for victims can only be secured through credible evidence tested before the courts rather than through social media verdicts.
The National Patriots also expressed concern over the reported circulation of confidential investigative documents relating to the Ajiran murder case, warning that unauthorised disclosures have the potential to compromise investigations, prejudice judicial proceedings and erode public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
Accordingly, the organisation supports the coalition’s call for a comprehensive internal investigation to identify the source of the leaks and ensure that anyone found responsible is sanctioned in accordance with the law and established police regulations.
On the substantive criminal case, the National Patriots maintained that the prosecution of Tajudeen Akanbi and every other aspect of the Ajiran murder trial must stand or fall strictly on the strength of credible, admissible evidence presented before a court of competent jurisdiction. It insisted that neither media pressure, political interests nor orchestrated campaigns should substitute for the judicial process.
The organisation reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, institutional accountability and the independence of Nigeria’s justice system. It urged all stakeholders—including civil society organisations, the media and members of the public—to exercise restraint and allow constitutionally empowered institutions to discharge their responsibilities without interference.
The National Patriots concluded that the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system depends on protecting the rights of victims, suspects, investigators and the judiciary alike. It added that public confidence is strengthened not by media trials but by transparent investigations, fair hearings and judgments founded on evidence, due process and the rule of law.
Dr. Imran Khazaly.
Headlinenews.News Special Investigative Desk
