Lagos State Police have apprehended Wasiu Akinwande, a 44-year-old man described as the most dangerous and wanted hired killer in recent Lagos history. The arrest occurred in Agbado, Ogun State, during a tactical operation named Silence, Speed, and Surprise, led by the Command’s Tactical Squad. According to police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Akinwande, also known as Olori Eso, was tracked to his hideout after previous attempts to capture him failed. He is accused of leading gangs responsible for over ten years of violent crimes, including armed robbery, murder, cult-related killings, and kidnappings in Mushin and nearby areas.
The police recovered a significant haul of weapons and items from Akinwande’s residence, which he admitted to using in his criminal activities. The items include two AK-47 rifles, one K2 assault rifle, one Red Ryder rifle, three pump action rifles, two locally made single-barrel pistols, five magazines, fifty-seven live cartridges, seventy 5.56 live ammunition rounds, twenty-seven 9mm ammunition rounds, one expended 5.56 round, one dagger, three walkie-talkies, and nine international passports belonging to different people. These findings link him to numerous high-profile crimes under investigation.
Akinwande’s actions have caused immense pain and trauma to victims’ families and the public. Four families have identified him as responsible for the deaths of their loved ones. The Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department to lead a team of skilled detectives in a wider investigation to arrest other suspects connected to Akinwande’s crimes. This arrest is a major victory in the fight against violent crime threatening the safety of Lagos residents, particularly in Mushin and surrounding areas.
