LAGOS — The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned alleged notorious assassin, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as “Olori Eso,” on 11 counts of murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and related felony charges.
Akinwande, 44, described by authorities as the “most wanted vicious hired killer” in Lagos, appeared before the Ogba Magistrate Court on Tuesday. The arraignment follows his recent arrest in Agbado, Ogun State, during a coordinated tactical operation code-named Silence, Speed, and Surprise.
Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the development in a statement to PUNCH Online. He revealed that Akinwande, long sought for terrorizing the Mushin area and surrounding communities, was tracked to Ogun State after repeated failed attempts to capture him in Lagos.
Recovered from the suspect’s residence was a significant cache of weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, a K2 assault rifle, locally made pistols, live ammunition, cartridges, walkie-talkies, and a poisonous dagger. According to police, Akinwande admitted to using these weapons in his operations alongside other gang members.
The charges detail a series of violent crimes spanning more than a decade. They include:
- The alleged murders of Bankole Yusuf and Ramadan Yusuf on July 31, 2024, during a Mushin-area clash.
- The killing of 10-year-old Aminat Lateef in December 2010 while she was running an errand in Fadeyi.
- The fatal shooting of multiple unidentified victims during violent gang confrontations.
- An attempted assassination of 58-year-old Awawu Ajalara in February 2011, resulting in grievous bodily harm and permanent disability after she was shot in both legs.
The charge sheet also accuses Akinwande of unlawful possession of high-grade firearms without a satisfactory explanation, in violation of the Firearms Act.
The court proceedings mark a significant step in what police describe as a long-running effort to dismantle violent networks operating in Lagos. The arraignment underscores the command’s intensified crackdown on armed gangs and organized crime across the state.
