The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 44-year-old Wasiu Akinwande, also known as Olori Eso, who is believed to be one of the most dangerous and highly sought-after hired assassins in Lagos in recent years.
According to a statement released on Friday by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, Akinwande was apprehended in the Agbado area of Ogun State during a special tactical operation dubbed “Silence, Speed and Surprise,” conducted by the Command’s Tactical Squad.
Akinwande, identified as the ringleader of a deadly gang that has terrorized residents of Mushin and neighboring communities for years, had eluded several attempts to arrest him in Lagos before being tracked to his hideout.
Police say the suspect has been linked to numerous violent crimes, including armed robbery, murder, cult-related killings, and abductions, many of which span over a decade.
“This individual has long been at the top of our wanted list and is considered one of the most dangerous figures in Lagos State’s recent criminal history,” Hundeyin stated.
During the raid, officers recovered a significant cache of weapons and other suspicious items allegedly used for violent operations. These included:
- Two AK-47 rifles
- One K2 assault rifle
- One Red Ryder rifle
- Three pump-action guns
- Two locally made single-barrel pistols
- Five magazines
- Fifty-seven live cartridges
- Seventy rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
- Twenty-seven rounds of 9mm bullets
- One spent 5.56mm cartridge
- One dagger
- Three walkie-talkies
- Nine international passports belonging to various individuals
Hundeyin added that Akinwande admitted to owning the recovered items and using them for his criminal activities with his gang.
Authorities believe Akinwande’s operations have inflicted lasting emotional and psychological harm on many families, with at least four already coming forward to identify him as responsible for the deaths of their relatives.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take charge of the ongoing investigation and ensure the arrest of all individuals connected to the suspect.
Akinwande is currently in custody under tight security and is expected to face legal proceedings for the crimes attributed to him.
