A Lagos-based lawyer, Adedotun Ajulo Esq, has described the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Moshood Jimoh, as an “incompetent public official” and renewed his call for an independent review of the police investigation into the killings in Ajiran Community.
Ajulo made the remarks in a statement issued in response to a publication titled “Ajiran killings: Groups, Stakeholders Exonerate AIG Jimoh Moshood from Corrupt Allegations, Refutes Defamatory Statement as Fallacy,”* in which several groups defended the senior police officer against allegations surrounding the handling of the murder investigation.
According to the lawyer, public endorsements and declarations of support cannot replace transparency and accountability in restoring public confidence in the justice system.
“Public confidence in the administration of justice cannot be restored through endorsements or public declarations. Confidence is earned through a process that is demonstrably impartial, transparent, and capable of withstanding independent scrutiny,” he said.
Ajulo accused the AIG of operating with “opacity, selective accountability, and misplaced priorities,” alleging that his approach to public service had weakened confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
He further alleged that Jimoh “thrives in secrecy, evades legitimate public scrutiny, and applies rules unevenly to favour preferred individuals or interests,” adding that such practices create the perception that official decisions are influenced by personal loyalties rather than fairness and professionalism.
The lawyer maintained that the controversy surrounding the Ajiran killings investigation should be resolved through an impartial review rather than competing public statements.
“The central issue has never been whether anyone enjoys public support or condemnation. The issue is whether the investigation has been conducted in a manner that inspires confidence among all stakeholders, particularly the victims’ families and members of the public,” he stated.
Ajulo argued that questions about the integrity of the investigation could only be answered through facts, official records and an independent assessment.
He also accused the police chief of relying on public relations campaigns instead of demonstrable performance.
“Instead of earning public trust through competence, integrity, and measurable achievements, he resorts to mobilising and sponsoring praise singers and paid support groups to manufacture an illusion of popularity and credibility.
“No amount of choreographed endorsements can conceal administrative failures or restore public confidence where transparency, impartiality and accountability are absent,” he alleged.
The legal practitioner called on the Inspector-General of Police to order an independent review of the Ajiran Community murder investigation, insisting that such a step would either validate the integrity of the investigation or expose areas requiring corrective action.
According to him, an independent review would serve the interests of the investigators, the families of the victims, the accused persons and the general public.
“If the investigation was conducted properly, the review will reinforce its credibility. If shortcomings are identified, appropriate corrective measures can then be taken in accordance with the law,” he said.
Ajulo stressed that accountability strengthens, rather than weakens, public institutions and urged all stakeholders to avoid personal attacks while supporting lawful and transparent processes aimed at establishing the truth.
He concluded by reiterating the long-standing legal principle that “justice must not only be done; it must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to have been done,” describing it as the foundation of every credible criminal justice system.
