…demands probe of fake ‘Wanted’ notice

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

A coalition of civil society organisations has dismissed claims linking Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh to the investigation into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, insisting that he was not the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State when the artiste died in September 2023.

The coalition also called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate and prosecute those behind a purported fake “wanted” notice circulated on social media against the senior police officer, describing it as an attempt to discredit law enforcement institutions and obstruct justice.

The position was contained in a statement read at a world press conference in Lagos on Monday, 27th July, 2026 by Comrade Chief Declan Ihekaire, spokesperson for the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, while Olufemi Lawson, National Secretary of the Campaign for Democracy, and activist Rasak Oladosu also addressed journalists.

According to Ihekaire, records of Commissioners of Police who served in Lagos State clearly showed that AIG Jimoh assumed office as Commissioner of Police on February 18, 2025, about 17 months after Mohbad died on September 12, 2023.

He said the Commissioner of Police in Lagos when the singer died was Idowu Owohunwa, who was succeeded by Adegoke Fayoade in December 2023. Fayoade was later replaced by Ishola Olanrewaju Olawale on September 17, 2024, before Jimoh assumed office in February 2025. He added that Jimoh was subsequently succeeded by CP Tijani Fatai in March 2026.

“The chronological presentation of the various Commissioners of Police that have served in Lagos State from 2023 till date is essential to disabuse the minds of the unsuspecting public,” Ihekaire said.

He maintained that it was misleading to suggest that Jimoh investigated Mohbad’s death, arguing that established police procedures clearly showed otherwise.

The coalition further alleged that individuals facing prosecution over the Ajiran killings and other criminal cases had resorted to campaigns of blackmail against the former Lagos Commissioner of Police in a bid to frustrate the course of justice.

Speaking further, Lawson expressed concern over what he described as increasing attempts by social media personalities and self-styled activists to influence criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.

“The whole essence of this press conference is to raise very serious concern because, unconsciously, the legal system in our country and the law enforcement system are gradually being taken away from the police and the courts into the hands of comic characters, jesters and content creators,” he said.

Lawson alleged that some online campaigns against AIG Jimoh were sponsored by persons interested in the Ajiran murder case and warned that allowing criminal investigations to be determined on social media could undermine the rule of law.

He also urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate those responsible for circulating the alleged fake wanted notice and prosecute anyone found culpable.

Also speaking, Oladosu described the circulation of the purported wanted notice bearing the Nigeria Police crest and official insignia as a serious criminal offence.

“It is quite unfortunate that people who should be beneficiaries of our democratic struggle are now making a mockery of constitutional and security institutions,” he said.

According to him, impersonating the Nigeria Police Force by using its logo, official communication codes and the name of the Inspector-General of Police to declare a serving Assistant Inspector-General of Police wanted amounted to forgery and should attract prosecution.

He urged the media and security agencies not to allow misinformation on social media to distract attention from the pursuit of justice in the Ajiran killings, insisting that those responsible for any criminal acts should be brought to justice.