A protest erupted at the Lagos State Judiciary following the controversial conduct of Honourable Justice A.T. Muyideen of the Lagos State High Court in relation to the case involving Alhaji Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi.
The controversy stems from the events of 25 June 2026, when Justice Muyideen ordered the remand of Akanbi at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre despite his critical medical condition. Akanbi was reportedly brought to the court premises in an ambulance and placed on oxygen support. The court allegedly declined to consider the medical report tendered before it, as well as the oral evidence presented by the medical practitioner who accompanied him.
According to earlier reports, upon Akanbi’s arrival at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, correctional authorities refused to admit him because of his deteriorating health condition. This reportedly resulted in a disagreement between the correctional authorities and the police officers escorting him. Following the intervention of the Chief Judge of Lagos State, who was on an official visit to the correctional facility, Justice Muyideen subsequently issued another remand order directing that Akanbi remain in police hospital. Before this intervention, Akanbi was allegedly abandoned by the police in an ambulance along Oba Akinjobi Way for more than five hours.
On Tuesday, a civil society organisation, Center for Citizens Rights Protection led by its Convener, Abe Emmanuel Kolawole, and its Secretary, Samuel Isijola, in conjunction with members of the Ojomu Royal Family of Ajiran in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, defied a heavy downpour to stage a peaceful protest at the premises of the Ikeja High Court.
The protesters demanded that Justice A.T. Muyideen recuse himself from the matter, alleging arbitrary exercise of judicial authority, bias, and compromise on the part of the judge.
A petition addressed to the Chief Judge of Lagos State was presented to the Chief Judge’s representative, who received the delegation. In the petition, the protesters urged the Chief Judge to:
1. Direct that the criminal proceedings involving Alhaji Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi be transferred from the court of Honourable Justice A.T. Muyideen to another Judge of the High Court of Lagos State in the interest of justice and public confidence.
2. Institute an independent administrative investigation into the conduct of Honourable Justice A.T. Muyideen during the proceedings complained of.
3. Impose such disciplinary or administrative sanctions as may be found appropriate if the investigation establishes any misconduct or breach of the judicial oath.
4. Make any further orders Your Lordship considers necessary to preserve the integrity of the judicial process and safeguard the constitutional rights of the defendant.
The protesters maintained that their demands were aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness, and public confidence in the administration of justice in Lagos State.
