The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a suspected notorious assassin, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, before the Ogba Magistrate Court on an 11-count charge bordering on murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and other serious offences.
The Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, describing Akinwande as “the most wanted vicious and notorious hired killer” in Lagos. He was arrested during a well-coordinated operation, codenamed Silence, Speed and Surprise, carried out by the Command’s Tactical Squad at his hideout in Agbado, Ogun State.
According to Hundeyin, Akinwande had been on the run for years, evading several arrest attempts in Lagos — particularly in Mushin and its environs, where he was allegedly feared for his violent activities.
The police recovered a large cache of weapons from his residence, including assault rifles, locally made pistols, ammunition, and other incriminating items, which the suspect allegedly admitted were used during operations with his gang.
Hundeyin said the charges against Akinwande include the alleged murder of Bankole Yusuf and Ramadan Yusuf on July 31, 2024, in Mushin, as well as the killing of 10-year-old Aminat Lateef on December 9, 2010, while she was running an errand in the Fadeyi area.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Wasiu Akinwande, alias Olori Esho ‘m’ and others now at large, on or before the 31st day of July 2024, at Idi-araba area of Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did knowingly, unlawfully kill Ayinla ‘m’, Ojaja ‘m’ and three other unknown persons (now deceased) by shooting them directly during a clash between your faction (known as unlawful society) with the AK-47 rifles in your possession and thereafter abscond to Alagbado area where you were tracked/arrested, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 223 of the Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”
Another count accuses him of unlawful possession of: One K2 assault rifle, Two AK-47 rifles, Two locally made single-barrel pistols, 70 rounds of 5.56 live ammunition, 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 57 cartridges, Three walkie-talkies and One poisonous dagger.
In addition, Akinwande is accused of attempting to kill Awawu Ajalara, 58, by shooting her in both legs with an AK-47 rifle on February 17, 2011, in Idi-Araba, Mushin, causing her permanent disability.
The case has been adjourned as police intensify investigations into his alleged network and activities.
