Lagos Court Denies Ahmed Akanbi Bail Despite Medical Concerns
By Sherif Salau
A Lagos court has denied bail to Ahmed Akanbi, the suspect in the Ajiran murder case, despite concerns over his health after he appeared in a wheelchair and sought medical attention.
The defendant was wheeled into Court 8 at the Igbosere High Court before Justice Abdul-Raheem Muyideen. His lead counsel, Adedotun Ajulo, urged the court to grant bail so that Akanbi could receive proper medical care outside custody. The defence argued that his condition required treatment that would be better managed if he were released under suitable conditions while the trial continues.
Justice Muyideen rejected the application. He directed that Akanbi be returned to the Ikoyi custodial facility, where he is to receive the medical attention he needs. The judge adjourned further proceedings until 3 November 2026.
Akanbi is standing trial alongside Shafi Fatai and Yusuf Ismaila over the killings of Sheriff Ishola Salami, a youth leader, and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, son of the Ojomu of Ajiranland. The case has been marked by repeated disputes over the defendant’s health and custodial arrangements since his arraignment earlier this year.
Previous hearings had seen Akanbi brought to court premises in an ambulance and on oxygen support. Correctional authorities at one point declined to admit him on medical grounds, leading to interim arrangements under which he remained under police supervision for treatment while the remand order stayed in force. Defence lawyers have filed several bail applications, some of which were dismissed or struck out by vacation judges who directed that any further applications be taken before the substantive trial judge.
Wednesday’s ruling keeps Akanbi in custody as the substantive trial prepares to resume next month. The court has made clear that medical care is to be provided within the custodial setting. For the defence, the refusal of bail on health grounds marks another setback in a case that has already stretched across several months of procedural contests. For the prosecution and the families of the deceased, the decision maintains the status quo while the murder charges move toward hearing.
