Court Bars Repeat Application in Ajiran Murder Trial.

The Lagos State High Court has barred Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, the third defendant in the Ajiran murder case, from presenting another application similar to those previously brought before the court’s vacation judges.

Contents

Defendants Absent From Court Court Refuses Another Similar Application Earlier Remand and Arraignment Applications Presented Before Different Judges Separate Rights Judgment Under Appeal Defendants Face Double-Murder Charges

According to SaharaReporters, Justice A.M. Ipaye delivered the ruling on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in The State of Lagos v. Shafi Fatai, Yusuf Ismaila and Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, marked Suit No. LD/28350C/2026.

The Lagos Judiciary lists Justice A.M. Ipaye as a judge assigned to Court No. 51, where the proceeding was reportedly held.

Defendants Absent From Court

The certified true copy of the proceedings reportedly showed that all three defendants were absent when the application was considered.

- Advertisement -

O.T. Ojerinde appeared with Dr Dayo Ashonibare and Adetura Mariam for Akanbi, while Jibril Kareem represented the Lagos State prosecution.

Akanbi’s counsel informed the court that a motion ex parte dated August 24 had been filed, seeking permission for the application to be heard during the judiciary’s 2026 long vacation.

Court Refuses Another Similar Application

Justice Ipaye observed that substantially similar applications had already been presented before two vacation judges.

The first application was reportedly dismissed on July 22, while another was struck out by a separate vacation court.

The judge consequently directed Akanbi’s lawyers to return to the substantive trial judge rather than bring the same or a similar request before another vacation judge.

- Advertisement -

“The applicant is not permitted to bring same similar application again. They are to go before the substantive judge.”

Reports on the case describe the applications as part of repeated attempts to secure bail or accelerated consideration during the court’s long vacation.

Earlier Remand and Arraignment

The proceedings followed a June 25 remand order made by Justice A.T. Muyideen, directing that Akanbi be kept at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre.

Correctional officials reportedly declined to admit him because of his medical condition, resulting in arrangements for him to continue receiving treatment under police supervision.

Akanbi and the other defendants were subsequently arraigned on July 3. He pleaded not guilty to the conspiracy and murder allegations, while the court fixed several dates in November 2026 for trial and the consideration of pending applications.

The substantive court reportedly advised the defence that urgent applications could be presented to a vacation judge during the long vacation.

Applications Presented Before Different Judges

SaharaReporters reported that Akanbi’s lawyers subsequently approached several judges between July and August.

An application presented before Justice O.O. Martins on July 22 was reportedly dismissed after the court found that pending applications were already before Justice Muyideen.

Another application brought before Justice S.I. Sonaike on August 6 was struck out on the ground that the substantive judge was already considering the issue.

The August 27 ruling now directs the defence to pursue the matter before the judge assigned to the criminal trial.

Separate Rights Judgment Under Appeal

In a separate fundamental-rights action, Justice O.L. Alebiosu ruled on August 7 that the police should retract a wanted notice issued against Akanbi and publish an apology.

The police have appealed that judgment, asking the Court of Appeal to set it aside. The rights action is separate from the pending murder trial and does not determine the defendants’ guilt or innocence on the criminal charges.