by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
The Lagos State Police Command has captured one of the most feared criminals in recent history — Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso. The 44-year-old, described by authorities as Lagos’ “most wanted and deadly hired assassin,” was arrested in a covert operation in Agbado, Ogun State.
Police spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed on Friday that the arrest followed a high-level operation code-named “Silence, Speed, and Surprise” conducted by the Command’s Tactical Squad. Akinwande had evaded capture for years while allegedly orchestrating a decade-long reign of terror across Mushin and surrounding communities.
Weapons Arsenal Recovered
In addition to Akinwande’s arrest, police recovered a significant cache of weapons and illicit items from his hideout. These include:
- Two AK-47 rifles
- One K2 assault rifle
- One Red Ryder rifle
- Three pump-action rifles
- Two locally-made pistols
- Five magazines
- 57 live cartridges
- 70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
- 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition
- One expended 5.56 shell
- A dagger
- Three walkie-talkies
- Nine international passports belonging to various individuals
According to Hundeyin, the suspect admitted to using these weapons in multiple killings and violent operations carried out with his gang.
A Notorious Record of Violence
Akinwande is accused of leading several criminal groups involved in armed robbery, cult-related violence, kidnappings, and contract killings. His activities, police say, left a trail of trauma and devastation among victims’ families, with at least four families already coming forward to identify him as the man responsible for the deaths of their loved ones.
“This is a huge win in our efforts to combat violent crime in Lagos,” Hundeyin said. “Akinwande’s arrest signals the beginning of justice for many victims.”
Manhunt for Accomplices Underway
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to lead an expanded investigation. The new mandate includes tracking down other gang members connected to Akinwande.
“All suspects linked to these heinous crimes will be brought to justice,” the police assured.
Akinwande remains in custody under tight security and is expected to be charged soon. Authorities pledged that he will “face the full weight of the law.”