The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 44-year-old suspected hired killer, cult kingpin, and leader of a deadly gang responsible for numerous violent crimes across Mushin and its environs.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that Wasiu Akinwande, alias “Olori Eso”, described as one of the most feared and wanted criminals in the state’s recent history, was apprehended on Friday, June 20, 2025.
According to a statement obtained by Drum Africa, he stated that the suspect was captured during a coordinated special operation code-named Silence, Speed, and Surprise, executed by the Command’s Tactical Squad.
The police said the operation led to the discovery and recovery of nine (9) sophisticated firearms, over 150 rounds of live ammunition, magazines, walkie-talkies, a dagger, and nine (9) international passports belonging to different individuals.
The statement reads in part: “The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough in its relentless fight against violent crime and other criminal activities in Lagos State.
“On June 20, 2025, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Squad, in a well-coordinated special operation code-named Silence, Speed, and Surprise, successfully trailed and arrested Wasiu Akinwande, aka Olori Eso – a 44-year-old notorious hired killer, gang leader, and cult kingpin who, along with his multiple gangs, has been terrorizing the Mushin area of Lagos State and its environs.
“The police described Akinwande as the most wanted suspect in Lagos in recent memory. His arrest marks a major success in the ongoing battle against violent crimes threatening the safety and security of residents in Mushin and beyond.
“He was arrested in his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State after several failed attempts by the police to capture him. From 2009 until 2024, Akinwande and his gangs allegedly wreaked havoc in communities, particularly in Mushin, carrying out a series of armed robberies, murders, kidnappings, and cult-related killings.
“His reign of terror instilled fear and apprehension among residents and posed a serious threat to law and order,” the statement added.
The Command noted that Akinwande’s criminal activities left behind trauma, horror, and agony for the families of numerous victims. Despite his constant movement across different states to evade arrest, the Lagos State Police Command remained determined in its pursuit of justice.
“A raid on his house in Mushin led to the recovery of a cache of weapons and incriminating items, which the suspect admitted were used in his gang’s operations. The recovered items include: Two (2) AK-47 rifles; One (1) K2 assault rifle; One (1) Red Ryder rifle; Three (3) pump-action rifles; Two (2) locally-made single-barrel pistols; Five (5) magazines; Fifty-seven (57) live cartridges; Seventy (70) rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition; Twenty-seven (27) rounds of 9mm ammunition; One (1) expended 5.56mm round; One (1) dagger; Three (3) walkie-talkies and Nine (9) international passports belonging to different individuals.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), to lead a team of specially selected crack detectives to broaden the investigation and apprehend all suspects linked to Akinwande.
“Already, four families have come forward to identify him as the individual responsible for the killings of their children and wards.
“Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, reassured Lagosians that their safety remains the Command’s top priority. He commended all officers involved in the operation for their bravery and urged the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.
“Wasiu Akinwande is currently in police custody under tight security and will face the full weight of the law for his crimes. The Lagos State Police Command remains resolute in its mission to make Lagos a no-go area for criminals and to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors,” the statement concluded.
“The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station as investigations continue.”
