INTERPOL Arrests Lagos Businessman Ahmed Akanbi in Benin, Extradites Him to Nigeria Over Multiple Killings
A Lagos-based businessman who had earlier been declared wanted over allegations of multiple killings and widespread property destruction has been arrested in the Benin Republic and extradited to Nigeria through coordinated efforts involving the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Lagos, Moshood Jimoh, confirmed the development on Monday during a press briefing at the command headquarters, where the suspect was formally handed over to Nigerian authorities.
PulseNets learnt that the suspect, Ahmed Akanbi, 38, was apprehended on April 15, 2026, at a hotel in Cotonou after months of coordinated surveillance and tracking by international law enforcement agencies.
It was gathered that Akanbi had been moving across several countries, as reflected in his passport records, since he was declared wanted in connection with a string of violent crimes in Lagos State.
“This case involves multiple murders, attempted murders, and destruction of lives and property spanning several years. The suspect, Ahmed Akanbi, was earlier declared wanted alongside other accomplices, Safiu Fatai, Yusuf Ismaila, Soji Mascot, and one Kenny.
“I can confirm to you that he has now been arrested by INTERPOL operatives in Benin Republic and handed over to INTERPOL Nigeria, and today handed to us at Zone 2 command. Investigations will be concluded before he is charged to court,” Jimoh said.
PulseNets reported that the AIG disclosed that the case regained traction following a petition submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, which prompted a renewed and discreet investigation into a series of killings in the Ojomu area of Lagos.
According to findings obtained by PulseNets, some apprehended accomplices allegedly confessed to carrying out the attacks on the instructions of the suspect, who was said to have financed the operations.
Providing further insight, Jimoh stated that Sheriff Ishola was killed on April 18, 2023, while Prince Ademola Akinloye was murdered on August 26, 2024, both within the Eti-Osa axis of Lagos, in what he described as coordinated and premeditated attacks.
He added that earlier investigations by former Commissioners of Police in Lagos recorded significant breakthroughs, with fresh evidence later emerging to further implicate the suspect.
Jimoh cautioned against the spread of misinformation or any attempt to politicise the matter, assuring that due process would be strictly followed to ensure justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring that no individual, regardless of status, escapes justice. We will follow due process and ensure that all those involved are prosecuted,” he said.
He also urged individuals who may have been affected by the suspect’s alleged actions to come forward with useful information to support ongoing investigations. Victims of property destruction, financial interference, personal harm, or attempted murder were encouraged to file complaints without fear.
PulseNets learnt that petitions can be submitted directly to the AIG’s office, the AIG in charge of Special Operations, or Commissioners of Police in Lagos and Ogun states, with assurances that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Describing the alleged crimes as detrimental to national development, Jimoh noted that such activities undermine efforts to attract investment, weaken small and medium-scale enterprises, and disrupt housing development initiatives. He assured that the identities of complainants would be protected.
“Victims should not be afraid. They can submit their petitions, and their identities will be adequately protected,” he added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL, Fidelis Ogarabe, attributed the arrest to effective international collaboration.
PulseNets reported that intelligence gathered by INTERPOL Nigeria led operatives to the suspect’s location in Cotonou, resulting in swift action to secure his arrest.
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“Our counterparts in Benin Republic cooperated fully. After due processes, the suspect was handed over to our team and brought back to Nigeria. We have now transferred him to the AIG in charge of the case for continuation of investigation,” Ogarabe said.
He further disclosed that items recovered from the suspect, including travel documents, mobile phones, and a luxury vehicle, would support ongoing investigations.
