Police arrest notorious hired killer in Lagos

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Lagos Police Command has announced the arrest of a notorious hired killer and cult leader, Wasiu Akinwande, also known as Olori Eso, in a significant breakthrough in its fight against violent crime in the state.

A statement obtained on Saturday, from the Lagos Police Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed that Akinwande, was apprehended on Friday, June 20, by Tactical Squad operatives during a meticulously coordinated special operation.

He was tracked down to his hideout in Agbado, Ogun State, following years of eluding capture.

Described as the most wanted criminal in Lagos in recent times, Akinwande is alleged to be the mastermind behind multiple killings, armed robberies, kidnappings, and cult-related violence, particularly in the Mushin area.

The statement reads, “The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough in its relentless fight against crime of violence and other criminalities in Lagos State. On June 20, 2025, Tactical Squad operatives of the Command successfully in a well-coordinated special operation, trailed and arrested one Wasiu Akinwande aka Olori Eso, a 44-year-old notorious hired killer and head of killers gang and cultist kingpin who along with his multiple gangs and hoodlums have been terrorizing Mushin area of Lagos State and its environs.

“This serial killer suspect is the most wanted suspect in Lagos history in recent time. His arrest marks a huge success in the ongoing fight against violent crimes that are threats to security and safety of residents in Mushin and some other parts of Lagos State.

“Wasiu Akinwande was arrested in his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State after several attempts by the Police. For over a decade now from 2009 until 2024, Wasiu Akinwande and his gangs have terrorized the people and communities, particularly in the Mushin area of Lagos State. He was responsible for organizing and executing series of armed robberies, cold blooded murders, kidnappings and cult-related killings. His reign of terror instilled fear and apprehension in residents and posed a dangerous threat to law and order.

“Despite his escapes from one state of the country to another over the years, the Lagos State Police Command remained resolute in its pursuit of Justice. The operatives of the Command raided his house in Mushin, and recovered cache of weapons and incriminating items he freely admitted he was using for his killing operations with his gang. The exhibits recovered 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) 5.56 live ammunition, Twenty-seven (27) 9mm ammunition, One (1) expended 5.56 ammunition, One (1) dagger, Three (3) walkie-talkies and Nine (9)international passports belonging to different individuals.”