INTERPOL Arrests Lagos Businessman in Benin, Extradites Him to Nigeria Over Murder Allegations

A Lagos-based businessman declared wanted over allegations of multiple killings and property destruction has been arrested in the Republic of Benin and returned to Nigeria following coordinated international operations led by INTERPOL.

The suspect, Ahmed Akanbi, 38, was taken into custody on April 15, 2026, at a hotel in Cotonou after weeks of cross-border tracking involving Nigerian and Beninese law enforcement agencies. He was later handed over to Nigerian authorities through INTERPOL channels.

Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, Moshood Jimoh, confirmed the development on Monday during a briefing in Lagos, where the suspect was formally transferred to the Nigeria Police Force.

Jimoh said Akanbi had been on the run across multiple countries since being declared wanted in connection with violent incidents recorded in Lagos State. He is being investigated for alleged involvement in multiple murders, attempted murders, and coordinated attacks spanning several years.

According to police briefings, the case involves incidents in the Ojomu area of Lagos, with earlier investigations linking the suspect to a network of alleged accomplices. Some of those already in custody reportedly gave statements indicating they acted on his instructions and received financial backing for the operations.

Two of the cases referenced include the killing of Sheriff Ishola on April 18, 2023, and Prince Ademola Akinloye on August 26, 2024, both within the Eti-Osa axis of Lagos.

Authorities say renewed attention to the case followed a formal petition to the Inspector-General of Police, prompting further review and additional investigative work that produced new evidence.

Jimoh stated that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of inquiries. He also cautioned against the spread of unverified claims, adding that the case will be handled strictly within legal procedures.

He urged individuals affected by the alleged activities to submit complaints and supporting evidence, noting that reports can be directed to his office, the AIG in charge of Special Operations, or relevant police commands in Lagos and Ogun States. He assured that complainants’ identities would be protected.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring that all individuals involved in these incidents are brought before the law,” he said.

In a separate briefing, Commissioner of Police for INTERPOL in Nigeria, Fidelis Ogarabe, said the arrest was achieved through intelligence sharing between Nigerian and Beninese units. He explained that operational coordination led officers to the suspect’s location in Cotonou, where he was detained before formal transfer procedures were completed.

Recovered items from the suspect include travel documents, mobile phones, and a luxury vehicle, which investigators say may assist ongoing inquiries.