The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a 44-year-old suspected hired assassin and cult leader, Wasiu Akinwande, also known as Olori Eso, believed to have been instilling fear across the Mushin area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos.
According to Hundeyin, the suspect was captured at his hideout in Agbado, Ogun State, following several unsuccessful attempts by the Police Tactical Squad.
He stated, “Today, operatives of the Tactical Squad, during a special operation codenamed ‘Silence, Speed and Surprise,’ successfully trailed and arrested the notorious suspect. He had been operating alongside multiple gangs and hoodlums, causing chaos across Mushin and surrounding areas for years.’’
Hundeyin described the suspect as one of the most wanted criminals in recent Lagos history, stating that his arrest represents a significant breakthrough in the fight against violent crime.
The suspect is alleged to have masterminded numerous brutal operations between 2009 and 2024, including armed robberies, cold-blooded murders, kidnappings, and cult-related killings in the Mushin area.
Mr Hundeyin said, “His criminal reign spread fear among residents and posed a significant threat to peace and order in Mushin and other parts of Lagos.’’
Hundeyin noted that the suspect’s actions had traumatised countless families, inflicting immense pain and horror on victims and leaving lasting scars on entire communities.
“In spite of fleeing from state to state for years, the command never relented in its mission to bring him to justice,” he added.
Police operatives carried out a raid on the suspect’s residence in Mushin, where they uncovered a cache of weapons and incriminating items allegedly used in his criminal activities.
Among the items recovered were two AK-47 rifles, a K2 rifle, a Red Ryder rifle, three pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, and a variety of live ammunition.
Further findings included five magazines, 57 live cartridges, 70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a used 5.56mm shell, a dagger, and three walkie-talkies.
In addition, police discovered nine passports belonging to different individuals, raising further concerns about the extent of the suspect’s criminal operations.
Following the breakthrough, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Owohunwa Jimoh, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID, to intensify the investigation and ensure all accomplices are tracked down and brought to justice.
Four families have already come forward to identify the suspect as being responsible for the deaths of their children and relatives.
Commissioner Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s commitment to public safety, stating that protecting Lagos residents remains the police’s utmost priority.
He also commended the operatives involved for their bravery and professionalism, urging the public to support police efforts with timely and credible information.
“The suspect remains in custody under tight security and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The command remains committed to making Lagos unsafe for criminals while protecting residents and visitors,” the CP said.
Mr Jimoh urged residents to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and await the findings of the ongoing investigation, which he assured would be made public in due course.
