Lawyer Raises Alarm Over Security and Safety of Detainee in Lagos

A legal representative for Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, who is currently facing criminal prosecution, has formally raised concerns regarding the safety and well-being of his client while in police custody.

The concerns emerged following proceedings at the Lagos State High Court on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The defense team stated that Akanbi arrived at the court via ambulance, requiring oxygen support due to significant health complications. While the court initially ordered his remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, facility officials reportedly refused admission due to his fragile medical state, directing the police to retain custody.

Following a subsequent court directive for the Lagos State Police Command to hold the defendant, the defense alleged that Akanbi was left unattended inside an ambulance for over four hours on Oba Akinjobi Way in Ikeja. He was eventually admitted to the Police Hospital in Ikeja later that evening.

Adedotun Ajulo, a lead defense counsel, visited his client on Friday and reported a troubling lack of security. “I visited my client at about 8 p.m. and was shocked to discover that there was no armed police officer stationed with him,” Ajulo stated. The lawyer contrasted this with the defendant’s previous status, noting that Akanbi had been under constant armed guard during prior hospitalizations and court appearances.

Ajulo argued that the sudden removal of security measures, combined with the defendant’s ongoing detention which has now exceeded 60 day shas intensified the family’s long-standing fears regarding a potential threat to Akanbi’s life.

The defense has called upon the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure the defendant’s constitutional rights and safety are upheld. As of the time of this report, the Lagos State Police Command has not commented on the allegations.