Nigeria: Widow Pleads for Justice as Police Investigation into Husband’s Murder Stalls
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Mariam Salami, a grieving widow, is expressing her frustration with the lack of progress in the investigation into the murder of her husband, Ishola Salami. Ishola, known for his opposition to land-grabbing activities in the Ajiran community of Ajah, Lagos State, was tragically shot dead on , while attending a function near their residence.
In an interview with , Mariam revealed that her pleas for justice have fallen on deaf ears, with the police showing little interest in the case. She shared that people in the community are afraid to come forward with information, and she appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and ensure a thorough investigation.
“It has been a year since we started seeking justice for my husband. He was killed in broad daylight, and we have been begging the government and the police to help us. They know what needs to be done, but they have chosen to ignore us. I am using this opportunity to beg the governor to assist me in getting justice. Today marks one year, and we have not received any positive news about the case,” Mariam lamented.
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, representing the Civil Society Stakeholders, has also expressed concern over the lack of progress in the investigation. They called on the newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to order a credible investigation into the murder of Ishola Salami.
The Lagos State House of Assembly’s House Committee on Human Rights initiated an inquiry into the matter, urging the Lagos State Police Command to investigate the murder. However, the rights group claims that no meaningful steps have been taken by the police or the Office of the IGP to address the case.
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights has appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene and ensure that justice is served through a thorough investigation.
As of now, the police have not provided any updates on the case. reached out to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who promised to gather information and provide an update.
The delay in investigating Ishola Salami’s murder has left his widow and the community anxiously seeking answers and justice. The calls for a thorough investigation and the intervention of the state governor underscore the urgency to address the issue promptly and ensure that those responsible for the crime are brought to justice.
