NIGERIA: Police Arrest Lagos’ Most Wanted Assassin, Recover Weapons in Ogun Raid

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Wasiu Akinwande, a 44-year-old man widely known by his alias, Olori Eso, in a major breakthrough against organized violent crime in the state.

Described by law enforcement as the “most wanted vicious and notorious hired killer” in Lagos in recent times, Akinwande was apprehended during a well-coordinated operation by the Command’s Tactical Squad in Agbado, Ogun State.

The raid, tagged “Silence, Speed and Surprise,” led to his capture at a secret hideout after months of failed attempts to track him down in Lagos.

In a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed that the suspect was the alleged leader of multiple deadly gangs behind over a decade of high-profile crimes including armed robbery, cult-related killings, murders, and kidnappings, particularly across Mushin and surrounding areas.

He said: “This serial killer suspect is the most wanted in the history of Lagos State in recent time. His arrest marks a huge success in the ongoing fight against violent crimes threatening the security of Lagos residents.”

During the arrest, a significant cache of weapons and incriminating materials was recovered from Akinwande’s residence. These include:Two AK-47 rifles, one K2 assault rifle, one Red Ryder rifle, yhree pump-action rifles, two locally-made pistols, five magazines and 57 live cartridges

70 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, 27 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a dagger, three walkie-talkies and Nine international passports belonging to different individuals, were also recovered.

Hundeyin confirmed that Akinwande admitted to using the weapons in multiple criminal operations carried out with his gang.

Following the arrest, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to lead an expanded investigation, to apprehend all other suspects linked to Akinwande and ensure they are brought to justice.

According to the reports gathered by Africa Culture TV, four families have come forward to identify Akinwande as the man responsible for the deaths of their relatives, further confirming the scale and impact of his crimes.

Hundeyin said, assuring the public that the suspect is currently in custody under tight security and will face prosecution for his crimes.

He noted: “Akinwande’s criminal activities have left trauma, horror, agony, and pain in the families of victims.”