The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a suspected notorious assassin and cult leader, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known by the alias Olori Eso, before the Ogba Magistrate Court on 11-count charges related to murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and other serious felonies.
IREPORT247NEWS reported that Akinwande, aged 44, was apprehended by the police after a prolonged manhunt. Described by law enforcement authorities as one of the most wanted criminals in Lagos State’s recent history, his arrest marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb violent crimes in the state.
For more than 15 years—from 2009 to 2024—Akinwande reportedly led a ruthless criminal gang that unleashed a reign of terror particularly across Mushin and surrounding communities.
His group was allegedly responsible for a series of brutal crimes including cold-blooded murders, armed robberies, kidnappings, and cult-related killings. Residents of Mushin lived in fear as the syndicate operated with impunity, destabilizing the area with repeated clashes and violence.
Mushin’s Most Wanted Hired Killer, ‘Olori Eso,’ Arrested
His arraignment was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who outlined some of the chilling allegations against the suspect.
“That you, Wasiu Akinwande, alias Olori Eso ‘m’, and others now at large, on or before the 31st of July, 2024, at the Idi-Araba area of Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District, did knowingly and unlawfully kill five individuals, including one Ayinla, Ojaja, and three other yet-to-be-identified persons by shooting them directly during a violent clash involving your gang—an unlawful society—using AK-47 rifles in your possession. After the incident, you fled to the Alagbado area, where you were later tracked and arrested. This offence is punishable under Section 223 of the Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”
“That you, Wasiu Akinwande, alias Olori Eso, and others now at large, on July 31, 2024, at No. 11 Mosalashi Street, Mushin, did unlawfully possess a K2 assault rifle with breach number AR72739, two AK-47 rifles with breach numbers 0275 & 5688, two locally made single-barrel pistols, 70 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 57 cartridges, three walkie-talkies, and a poisonous dagger, all used for illegal operations. You could not provide a satisfactory account of how these weapons came into your possession. This act violates Section 27(1)(a)(b)(ii) of the Firearms Act of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended).”
Further disturbing revelations emerged concerning an incident dating back to February 17, 2011, involving an attempt on the life of a 58-year-old woman, Awawu Ajalara: “That you, Wasiu Akinwande, alias Olori Eso, and others at large, on February 17, 2011, at Awoniyi Street, Idi-Araba, Mushin, did attempt to kill Awawu Ajalara by shooting both of her legs with an AK-47 rifle. This act is contrary to and punishable under Section 230(a) of the Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”
“That you, Wasiu Akinwande, alias Olori Eso, on the same day and location, did unlawfully cause grievous bodily harm to Awawu Ajalara, resulting in permanent disability, in violation of Section 245 of the Lagos State Laws.”
As proceedings unfold at the Ogba Magistrate Court, legal observers and residents of Mushin and other affected communities await the outcome of the case, which marks a turning point in the fight against long-standing violent criminal networks in Lagos State.