Text Of Press Conference By The Center For Citizens Right Protection (CCRP) In Response To The Press Conference By The Centre For Human And Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) On the Ajiran Community Crisis And The Continued Detention Of Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi (Alabi)

Gentlemen of the Press,

The attention of the Centre for Citizens Right Protection (CCRP) has been drawn to a press conference addressed by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) on June 8, 2026, wherein our organization and other concerned citizens were portrayed as faceless agitators, agents of obstruction, and enemies of justice in relation to the ongoing dispute and criminal proceedings arising from incidents within the Ajiran Community of Eti-Osa, Lagos State.

Ordinarily, we would not dignify such a politically motivated and clearly sponsored intervention with a response. However, in view of the misleading assertions contained therein, and in the overriding public interest, it has become necessary to set the records straight and to reassure members of the public that our interventions are guided solely by the principles of justice, fairness, constitutionalism, and the protection of citizens' rights.

OUR IDENTITY AND STANDING

Contrary to the insinuations by CHSR that those questioning the conduct of the investigation and prosecution process are "self-styled agitators" and unknown activists, the Centre for Citizens Right Protection is a recognized civil society organization comprising respected advocates, community leaders, legal practitioners, human rights defenders, and public-interest campaigners who have consistently championed the cause of justice and the protection of constitutional rights across Nigeria.

We reject in its entirety the attempt by CHSR to delegitimize our advocacy through name-calling and unsubstantiated allegations. The issues we have raised are not personal, political, or sectional. They concern the continued violation of constitutional safeguards and the abuse of legal processes by institutions entrusted with the administration of justice.

Unlike groups that surface only when sponsored interests require public relations support, CCRP has a documented record of speaking against injustice irrespective of the personalities involved. Our concern is not who is accused, but whether the law is being followed.

ON CHSR'S RECITATION OF POLICE ALLEGATIONS

A significant portion of the CHSR statement merely reproduces allegations made by the police against Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi. We wish to remind CHSR and the public that allegations remain allegations until proven before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The repeated recital of police claims as though they constitute established facts is not advocacy for justice; it is advocacy for conviction before trial. The cornerstone of every democratic justice system is the presumption of innocence guaranteed under Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

No civil society organization genuinely committed to human rights should seek to replace judicial determination with media trials.

ON THE SO-CALLED CONFESSIONAL STATEMENTS

CHSR relies heavily on purported confessional statements allegedly obtained from suspects. However, the admissibility, voluntariness, credibility, and evidential value of such statements remain matters exclusively for judicial determination.

History is replete with cases where alleged confessions were subsequently discredited, withdrawn, challenged, or found to have been obtained under questionable circumstances. Responsible civil society organizations ought not to elevate disputed investigative materials to the status of judicial findings.

Our position remains that every allegation must be tested openly in court and not through orchestrated media campaigns.

ON PROCEDURAL DELAYS AND WHO IS RESPONSIBLE

Ironically, while CHSR expresses concern over delays in prosecution, it deliberately avoids the central issue responsible for the current impasse.

The principal concern of CCRP has always been the continued detention of Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi despite subsisting court orders and despite the prolonged failure of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, particularly the office of the Attorney-General and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to issue the legal advice required under the Administration of Criminal Justice framework.

The question CHSR failed to answer is simple:

How can a citizen continue to be detained indefinitely while the agencies responsible for providing legal guidance on prosecution remain inactive?

If CHSR is genuinely concerned about procedural delays, its advocacy should be directed at demanding accountability from the institutions responsible for moving the matter forward, not at demonizing those demanding compliance with the law.

ON THE FALSE CLAIM THAT WE SEEK TO OBSTRUCT JUSTICE

CHSR alleges that certain groups are attempting to derail justice and discredit investigations.

This accusation is entirely false.

At no point has CCRP called for the abandonment of investigations. At no point have we demanded immunity for any suspect. At no point have we advocated that any person accused of a crime should be shielded from lawful prosecution.

Our position has been consistent and straightforward: if there is sufficient evidence, let the suspect be charged before a competent court and tried within the framework of the law.

Demanding compliance with constitutional procedures cannot reasonably be interpreted as obstruction of justice. Rather, it is the refusal to obey court orders and the prolonged detention of citizens without due process that constitute the true threat to justice.

ON THE ALLEGATION OF WEAPONIZING LEGAL PROCESSES

CHSR's criticism of individuals seeking judicial remedies is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of its statement.

The right to approach the courts for redress is a fundamental constitutional right. It is not an abuse of process. It is not a weapon. It is the very essence of the rule of law.

To characterize lawful applications before competent courts as attempts to frustrate law enforcement is to undermine the authority of the judiciary itself.

If citizens cannot seek judicial intervention when they believe their rights have been violated, then constitutional democracy becomes meaningless.

We therefore reject this dangerous narrative and reaffirm that recourse to the courts remains one of the most legitimate and lawful avenues available to any citizen.

ON THE ALLEGATION OF MOBILIZING FOR THE RELEASE OF SUSPECTS

CHSR further alleges that certain persons are mobilizing crowds to demand the release of suspects without trial.

This allegation is deliberately misleading.

The demand consistently made by CCRP and concerned citizens is not for the release of suspects "without trial." Rather, it is for the enforcement of lawful court orders, respect for constitutional rights, and the commencement of proper judicial proceedings where evidence exists.

No democracy can permit indefinite detention while simultaneously delaying prosecution. Such a practice offends every known principle of justice.

The true question is not whether suspects should face trial. The question is why lawful procedures are being ignored while detention continues.

ON THE INCIDENT AT THE COURT PREMISES

CHSR's account of events at the court premises on June 4, 2026 is one-sided, speculative, and unsupported by independent verification.

It is inappropriate and prejudicial for any organization claiming neutrality to make categorical conclusions regarding operational decisions taken by law enforcement officers without the benefit of objective investigation.

More importantly, the attempt to portray one side as victims and the other as aggressors merely reinforces public perceptions that CHSR has abandoned neutrality in favour of advocacy for vested interests.

ON THE CALL FOR ARRAIGNMENT

CCRP agrees that justice delayed is justice denied. However, justice denied applies equally to victims and suspects.

We support the prompt arraignment of any individual against whom credible evidence exists. What we do not support is indefinite detention without compliance with statutory and constitutional requirements.

The responsibility for ensuring speedy prosecution lies primarily with investigative authorities and prosecutorial agencies, including the office of the Attorney-General and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

These institutions must explain to the public why legal advice has not been issued within a reasonable period despite the gravity and publicity surrounding the matter.

THE REAL ISSUE: RULE OF LAW MUST PREVAIL

The attempt by CHSR to shift public attention away from the critical issues of unlawful detention, disobedience to court orders, and prosecutorial inaction cannot succeed.

The Centre for Citizens Right Protection remains focused on the real issues:

The continued detention of Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi despite judicial orders.

The apparent disregard for constitutional safeguards by law enforcement authorities.

The failure of the Attorney-General and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to issue legal advice within a reasonable time.

The urgent need to ensure that justice is administered fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law.

These concerns are legitimate, lawful, and consistent with the principles of democracy and human rights.

CONCLUSION

The Centre for Citizens Right Protection reiterates that we are neither unknown activists nor agents of instability. We are a known and responsible organization committed to the protection of citizens' rights, the promotion of justice, and the defence of constitutional governance.

We reject attempts to intimidate, stigmatize, or silence voices demanding accountability from public institutions. We equally reject the growing trend of sponsored advocacy designed to manufacture public opinion while ignoring clear violations of due process.

Justice cannot be selective. Justice cannot be driven by emotions. Justice cannot be sustained through media trials.

The memories of the deceased deserve justice, but so too does every citizen accused of a crime. The rule of law demands nothing less.

We therefore call upon the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, and all relevant institutions to act strictly in accordance with the law, respect court orders, issue the necessary legal advice without further delay, and ensure that justice is done fairly, openly, and expeditiously.

The Centre for Citizens Right Protection shall continue to stand on the side of equity, justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

Yours Sincerely,

Kolawole Emmanuel 

Centre for Citizens Right Protection (CCRP)