In a landmark achievement in the fight against violent crime, the Lagos State Police Command has apprehended one of the most notorious and wanted criminal figures in recent history, Wasiu Akinwande, also known as Olori Eso.
The 44-year-old suspect, a known hired assassin and cult kingpin, was arrested in a coordinated intelligence-led operation tagged “Silence, Speed and Surprise” carried out by the Command’s Tactical Squad. He was tracked and captured at his hideout in Agbado, Ogun State, following years of manhunt and strategic surveillance.
Akinwande has been at the center of numerous criminal investigations involving armed robbery, murder, kidnapping, and cult-related killings, particularly in the Mushin area of Lagos. According to the police, he led multiple deadly gangs and had evaded capture for over a decade, instilling fear and unrest across communities in Lagos.
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
Nine (9) international passports belonging to different individuals
The arrest also follows the raid of the suspect’s residence in Mushin, where police recovered the cache of sophisticated firearms and incriminating items he reportedly used in various criminal operations.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, described the arrest as a critical milestone in the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes. He noted that four families have already identified the suspect as being responsible for the deaths of their relatives.
The Commissioner has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), to lead a team of specially selected detectives to broaden the investigation and apprehend all accomplices connected to the suspect’s criminal network.
> “This arrest sends a strong message to all criminal elements operating within Lagos State. We will not relent in our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” CP Jimoh stated.
The suspect is currently in custody under strict security, and legal proceedings will follow accordingly.
The Lagos State Police Command urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information to law enforcement agencies.
