A man identified as Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, described as one of Lagos’ most feared hired killers, has been arraigned on 11 criminal charges including murder, illegal arms possession, and felony.
He appeared before the Ogba Magistrate Court on Tuesday following his arrest by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command.
According to a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the 44-year-old suspect was apprehended at his hideout in Agbado, Ogun State, in a covert tactical operation tagged “Silence, Speed and Surprise.”
“He had been on our radar for a long time. Despite several efforts, he always managed to evade arrest—until now. The tactical squad was meticulous in planning and finally apprehended him,” Hundeyin revealed.
Akinwande, who is alleged to have led a deadly gang terrorizing Mushin and nearby communities, was found with a cache of weapons and items suspected to have been used in criminal operations.
Recovered from his residence were two AK-47 rifles, a K2 assault rifle, locally fabricated pistols, 70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 57 cartridges, three walkie-talkies, and a poisonous dagger.
Hundeyin said, “The suspect freely confessed to using these weapons during his operations. He couldn’t give any satisfactory account of their origin or purpose beyond his criminal activities.”
Among the charges leveled against Akinwande are the alleged killings of Bankole Yusuf and Ramadan Yusuf in the Mushin area on July 31, 2024.
The charge sheet also links him to a 2010 murder involving a 10-year-old girl, Aminat Lateef, in the Fadeyi area.
In a chilling recount of past crimes, prosecutors alleged that on February 17, 2011, the suspect shot 58-year-old Awawu Ajalara in both legs, leading to permanent disability. This incident took place in Idi-Araba, Mushin.
One of the charges reads:
“That you, Wasiu Akinwande, alias Olori Eso, and others now at large, did knowingly and unlawfully kill Ayinla (surname unknown), Ojaja (surname unknown), and three other persons during a factional clash in Idi-Araba by shooting them with AK-47 rifles.”
He is being charged under various sections of the Lagos State Criminal Laws and the Firearms Act of the Federation.
The police spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Command to ridding the state of violent criminals.
“We are determined to ensure Lagos is safe for all. This arrest sends a strong message to those who think they can escape justice,” Hundeyin added.
