The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest
of a 44-year-old suspected hired killer, cult kingpin, and leader of a deadly
gang responsible for numerous violent crimes across Mushin and its environs.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin,
confirmed that Wasiu Akinwande, alias "Olori Eso", described as one
of the most feared and wanted criminals in the state’s recent history, was
apprehended on Friday, June 20, 2025.
According to a statement obtained by SaharaReporters, he stated that the suspect was captured during a coordinated special operation code-named Silence, Speed, and Surprise, executed by the Command’s Tactical Squad.
The police said the operation led to the discovery and
recovery of nine (9) sophisticated firearms, over 150 rounds of live
ammunition, magazines, walkie-talkies, a dagger, and nine (9) international
passports belonging to different individuals.
The statement reads in part: “The Lagos State Police
Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough in
its relentless fight against violent crime and other criminal activities in
Lagos State.
"On June 20, 2025, operatives of the Command’s
Tactical Squad, in a well-coordinated special operation code-named Silence,
Speed, and Surprise, successfully trailed and arrested Wasiu Akinwande, aka
Olori Eso—a 44-year-old notorious hired killer, gang leader, and cult kingpin
who, along with his multiple gangs, has been terrorizing the Mushin area of
Lagos State and its environs.
"The police described Akinwande as the most wanted
suspect in Lagos in recent memory. His arrest marks a major success in the
ongoing battle against violent crimes threatening the safety and security of
residents in Mushin and beyond.
"He was arrested in his hideout in the Agbado area
of Ogun State after several failed attempts by the police to capture him. From
2009 until 2024, Akinwande and his gangs allegedly wreaked havoc in
communities, particularly in Mushin, carrying out a series of armed robberies,
murders, kidnappings, and cult-related killings.
“His reign of terror instilled fear and apprehension
among residents and posed a serious threat to law and order,” the statement
added.
The Command noted that Akinwande’s criminal activities
left behind trauma, horror, and agony for the families of numerous victims.
Despite his constant movement across different states to evade arrest, the
Lagos State Police Command remained determined in its pursuit of justice.
"A raid on his house in Mushin led to the recovery
of a cache of weapons and incriminating items, which the suspect admitted were
used in his gang’s operations. The recovered items include: Two (2) AK-47
rifles; One (1) K2 assault rifle; One (1) Red Ryder rifle; Three (3)
pump-action rifles; Two (2) locally-made single-barrel pistols; Five (5)
magazines; Fifty-seven (57) live cartridges; Seventy (70) rounds of 5.56mm live
ammunition; Twenty-seven (27) rounds of 9mm ammunition; One (1) expended 5.56mm
round; One (1) dagger; Three (3) walkie-talkies and Nine (9) international
passports belonging to different individuals.
"The Commissioner of Police has directed the
Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID),
to lead a team of specially selected crack detectives to broaden the
investigation and apprehend all suspects linked to Akinwande.
"Already, four families have come forward to
identify him as the individual responsible for the killings of their children
and wards.
"Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh,
reassured Lagosians that their safety remains the Command’s top priority. He
commended all officers involved in the operation for their bravery and urged
the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible
information.
“Wasiu Akinwande is currently in police custody under
tight security and will face the full weight of the law for his crimes. The
Lagos State Police Command remains resolute in its mission to make Lagos a
no-go area for criminals and to ensure the safety and security of all residents
and visitors,” the statement concluded.
"The Command also urged residents to remain
vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station as
investigations continue."
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