A suspected hired assassin, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, has been arraigned at the Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos on 11 counts ranging from murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and felony.
According to a statement released by Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the 44-year-old suspect—described as one of the most wanted and dangerous hired killers in the state—was arrested in a covert operation tagged “Silence, Speed, and Surprise” by the Command’s Tactical Squad. The operation was carried out at Akinwande’s hideout in Agbado, Ogun State, after weeks of failed attempts to apprehend him.
The police revealed that Akinwande had long terrorized Mushin and nearby communities, evading capture until the recent breakthrough. A search of his residence led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons and incriminating items, which he reportedly admitted were used during his operations with a criminal gang.
Hundeyin confirmed, “Wasiu Akinwande, alias Olori Eso, is currently being arraigned at the Ogba Magistrate Court on an eleven-count charge.”
Details of the Charges
Among the charges filed against Akinwande are:
The alleged murder of Bankole Yusuf and Ramadan Yusuf during a violent clash in the Mushin area on July 31, 2024.
The 2010 killing of a 10-year-old girl, Aminat Lateef, in Fadeyi, while she was running an errand.
The unlawful possession of high-powered weapons including:
One K2 assault rifle
Two AK-47 rifles
Two locally made pistols
70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
27 rounds of 9mm ammunition
57 live cartridges
Three walkie-talkies
One poisonous dagger
Akinwande is also accused of the attempted murder of a 58-year-old woman, Awawu Ajalara, in February 2011, when he allegedly shot both her legs with an AK-47 rifle, leaving her permanently disabled.
The charges cite violations of several sections of the Lagos State Criminal Laws (2015) and the Firearms Act of the Federation (2004).
The suspect, alongside unnamed accomplices still at large, is being prosecuted under laws that carry serious penalties, including potential life imprisonment or capital punishment, depending on the court’s ruling.