The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man described as the most dangerous and highly sought-after hired assassin in Lagos in recent times, 44-year-old Wasiu Akinwande, better known as Olori Eso.
Akinwande was apprehended during a meticulously executed operation dubbed ‘Silence, Speed and Surprise’ by the Command’s Tactical Squad at a hideout in Agbado, Ogun State.
In a statement released on Friday, the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed that the suspect, long known for spreading terror across Mushin and nearby communities, had been on the run for years before finally being tracked and arrested.
Hundeyin stated, “Arrest of most wanted vicious and notorious hired killer and head of killers’ gang in the history of Lagos State in recent time, Wasiu Akinwade a.k.a. Olori Eso, and recovery of nine sophisticated firearms, ammunition, magazines, dagger, walkie-talkies and international passports,” the statement partly read.
Akinwande is alleged to have masterminded numerous deadly operations over the past decade — crimes ranging from murder and cult-related attacks to armed robbery and kidnappings.
“This serial killer suspect is the most wanted in Lagos history in recent times,” Hundeyin said. “His arrest is a major success in our sustained efforts to combat violent crimes that threaten the safety of residents in Mushin and several other areas of Lagos.”
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The raid on his residence turned up a trove of weapons and items reportedly used during criminal activities. Akinwande is said to have confessed to using the cache in multiple operations carried out by his gang.
Recovered from the hideout were two AK-47 rifles, one K2 assault rifle, one Red Ryder rifle, three pump-action guns, two locally fabricated single-barrel pistols, five magazines, fifty-seven live cartridges, seventy rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, twenty-seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, an expended 5.56mm shell, a dagger, three walkie-talkies, and nine international passports linked to various individuals.
According to the Command, Akinwande’s actions over the years have caused significant suffering and trauma among countless victims and their families.
“His criminal activities have left trauma, horror, agony, and pain in the lives of families affected by his numerous crimes, all of which are currently under investigation,” the statement added.
Following the arrest, Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, directed the Deputy Commissioner at the State Criminal Investigation Department to deepen the probe and chase down other individuals believed to be connected to the suspect’s operations.
“The CP has directed the DCP at SCID, along with a team of elite detectives, to intensify efforts in tracking down all accomplices associated with the suspect and ensure they are brought to justice,” Hundeyin said.
Already, four families have come forward to accuse Akinwande of being behind the murders of their loved ones.
He remains in police custody under heavy security, as preparations are underway to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.
