The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a suspected contract killer, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, before the Ogba Magistrate Court on 11 serious charges, including murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and involvement in criminal activities.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin.
Akinwande, 44, described by the police as a highly dangerous and notorious hitman, was arrested by the command’s tactical team during a planned raid codenamed “Silence, Speed, and Surprise.” He was found hiding in the Agbado area of Ogun State, after several failed attempts to capture him.
According to the police, Akinwande had been a long-standing threat in Mushin and nearby communities. The operation also led to the recovery of a large number of weapons and other illegal items from his residence, which the suspect reportedly confessed were used in deadly operations with his gang.
Hundeyin confirmed that Akinwande is currently standing trial for various offences, including the alleged murder of Bankole Yusuf and Ramadan Yusuf on July 31, 2024, in the Mushin area of Lagos.
He is also accused of fatally shooting a 10-year-old girl, Aminat Lateef, on December 9, 2010, while she was running an errand in the Fadeyi area.
The charge sheet states that on or before July 31, 2024, in Idi-Araba, Akinwande and unidentified accomplices reportedly opened fire during a clash involving a rival group, killing Ayinla, Ojaja, and three others. He allegedly fled to the Alagbado area afterward, where he was later arrested. The offence is in violation of Section 223 of the Lagos State criminal laws (2015).
On the same day, at Mosalashi Street in Mushin, Akinwande was allegedly found with an illegal stockpile of weapons, including a K2 assault rifle, two AK-47 rifles, two locally made pistols, 70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 57 cartridges, three walkie-talkies, and a toxic dagger. Authorities say he failed to provide a legitimate explanation for possessing the items. This violates Section 27 of the Firearms Act (2004, as amended).
In a separate incident dated February 17, 2011, Akinwande is accused of shooting a 58-year-old woman, Awawu Ajalara, in both legs with an AK-47 in the Idi-Araba area. The attack left her permanently disabled. These offences fall under Sections 230 and 245 of Lagos State criminal laws (2015).
