Police lawyer, Barrister Morufu Ajani Animashaun, has received the Security and Safety Excellence Award (SSEA) in recognition of his contributions to law enforcement, criminal prosecution and public service.
The Nigerian Entrepreneurs Magazine, in collaboration with Fraadic Media Communications Group, organised the award to recognise security personnel, institutions, and other stakeholders for their contributions to protecting lives and property.
The organisers said the award recognises excellence in crime detection and management, professional leadership, bravery, security awareness and other efforts that promote public safety and national development.
Animashaun is a legal officer at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, where he has served in different capacities since 2020.
He joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 1, 2001, and has worked across several commands and specialised units, including assignments in Oyo, Lagos and Ogun states, as well as the Force Headquarters, where he served in the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit between 2003 and 2009.
A law graduate of Lagos State University, Animashaun was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing his professional training at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus.
His professional qualifications include training in alternative dispute resolution, communication and forensic skills for lawyers. He is also an accredited member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom, and a certified forensic expert.
In the course of his career, Animashaun has represented the Nigeria Police Force in several criminal and civil proceedings, including cases involving allegations of fraud, criminal offences and claims against the police.
Among the matters highlighted in his professional record are *Lompardy Nigeria Limited and Others v. Inspector-General of Police*, Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1436/2017, in which a reported N500 million claim was dismissed, and *Inspector-General of Police v. Fredrick Mmegba*, which resulted in a one-year prison sentence for the defendant in October 2024.
He has also handled cases involving Chief Jimoh Balogun and Others, Oliver Nwodo, Tajudeen Muili and Others, and musician Seun Kuti.
The police lawyer has received other recognitions, including the 2024 Best Prosecutor of the Year award from the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) and the 2019 Criminal Prosecutor of the Year award from the National Association of Judicial Correspondents (NAJUC).
His other honours include the Global Peace Ambassador Award in 2021, the Outstanding Legal Icon of the Year award in 2021 and an Inspector-General of Police Award of Commendation presented on June 5, 2025.
Animashaun is affiliated with professional bodies including the Nigerian Bar Association, African Bar Association, International Bar Association and International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Other recipients of the Security and Safety Excellence Award include the Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Oyo states, CP Olubode Ojajuni and CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga; Deputy Commissioner of Police Adebisi G. Lawal-Balogun of Interpol’s National Central Bureau; Assistant Commissioner of Police Folashade Tanaruno; and other officers serving in operational, administrative and public relations capacities.
Speaking after receiving the award, Animashaun expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising his contributions to justice and public service.
He dedicated the honour to the Nigeria Police Force, the FCID, Alagbon Annex, and his colleagues, particularly the Officer-in-Charge of Legal, Force CID, CSP Yewande Taiwo, whom he credited with providing support for his professional responsibilities.
He also acknowledged the contributions of fellow legal officers and appreciated his family for their support.
Animashaun urged young Nigerians in the legal and security sectors to uphold integrity, discipline and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice, responsible communication and national unity through professional service.
The award adds to the recognitions Animashaun has received during his career in police legal services and criminal prosecution.
