Wasiu Akinwande, also known as Olori Eso, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command. He is regarded as the most dangerous and sought-after hired assassin in Lagos in recent years.
The 44-year-old Akinwande was apprehended by the Command’s Tactical Squad at his hiding place in Agbado, Ogun State, after a meticulously planned tactical operation known as “Silence, Speed, and Surprise.”
The suspect, known for committing acts of terror in Mushin and the surrounding area, had eluded capture for years before being apprehended in Ogun State, according to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Friday.
According to Hundeyin, “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 believed to have led multiple armed gangs involved in over a decade of deadly crimes, including murder, cult-related violence, 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.”
From Akinwande’s home, the police retrieved a significant stockpile of weapons and evidence. According to reports, the guy admitted to using the products for his illegal activities with his group.
One K2 assault rifle, one Red Ryder rifle, two AK-47 rifles, three pump-action rifles, two locally manufactured single-barrel pistols, five magazines, fifty-seven live cartridges, seventy rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, twenty-seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, one expended 5.56 round, one dagger, three walkie-talkies, and nine international passports belonging to various people were among the items confiscated.
According to the Command, Akinwande’s lengthy history of violent acts had caused his victims and their families great suffering and long-lasting anguish.
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“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.
In response to his arrest, the Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, has instructed the Deputy Commissioner at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, to lead an expanded investigation and pursue other people linked to Akinwande’s network.
“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.
So far, four families have stepped forward to identify Akinwande as the man responsible for the murders of their loved ones.
He is currently in police custody under strict security and, according to the police, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
