Authorities have apprehended the sought-after assassin from Lagos, Wasiu Akinwande, widely recognized as Olori Eso, in Ogun. A cache of weapons, passports, and various other items has been seized.
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The Lagos State Police Command has announced a major milestone in its battle against violent crime in Lagos State. In a statement from the Command, it was revealed that: "On Friday, June 20, 2025, operatives from the Tactical Squad conducted a well-coordinated operation named Silence, Speed, and Surprise, successfully trailing and apprehending Wasiu Akinwande, also known as Olori Esho. Aged 44, he is a notorious hired killer and leader of a criminal gang and cult group that has been terrorizing the Mushin area of Lagos State and surrounding regions.
Akinwande is regarded as the most wanted criminal in Lagos in recent history. His apprehension signifies a significant victory in the ongoing struggle against violent crimes that threaten the safety and security of residents in Mushin and other parts of Lagos State.
He was captured at his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State after multiple attempts by the Police Tactical Squad. For over a decade, from 2009 to 2024, Akinwande and his gangs instilled fear in the communities, particularly in Mushin. He is linked to a series of armed robberies, cold-blooded murders, kidnappings, and cult-related violence. His reign of terror has caused trauma and suffering for many families, leaving a legacy of horror and pain in the communities affected by his high-profile crimes, which are currently under investigation by the Lagos State Police Command.
Despite his evasion of arrest throughout various states, the Lagos State Police remained committed to pursuing justice. During a raid on his residence in Mushin, authorities uncovered a cache of weapons and incriminating items that he admitted to using in his criminal operations. Recovered items include: two AK-47 rifles, one K2 assault rifle, one Red Ryder rifle, three pump-action rifles, two locally-made single-barrel pistols, five magazines, fifty-seven live cartridges, seventy 5.56 live rounds, twenty-seven 9mm rounds, one spent 5.56 round, a dagger, three walkie-talkies, and nine international passports belonging to different individuals. Wasiu Akinwande was initially arrested in 2011 but was released, and again in 2016, causing residents to fear that he would once more be set free. Indeed, on the same day, his gang staged a fake burial and funeral ceremony. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), has been instructed by the Commissioner of Police to lead a team of specially chosen detectives to expand the investigation and apprehend all suspects connected to Akinwande, ensuring they are brought to justice. Four families have already stepped forward to identify him as the perpetrator of the murders of their loved ones. The police command has confirmed that Akinwande is currently in custody under heavy security and will face the full consequences of his numerous crimes.