The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Wasiu Akinwande, regarded as one of the most dangerous contract killers in the state’s recent history.
The 44-year-old suspect, widely known by the name Olori Eso, was captured during a carefully coordinated tactical operation code-named “Silence, Speed, and Surprise”. The arrest was made at his hideout located in the Agbado area of neighbouring Ogun State. This was disclosed in an official statement released on Friday by the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to the statement, Akinwande’s arrest is a major breakthrough in the ongoing battle against violent crimes and insecurity especially in Mushin and other parts of Lagos. Authorities described him as the ringleader of a deadly gang of assassins responsible for several high-profile attacks.
During the operation, law enforcement recovered a significant number of dangerous items including:
Two AK-47 rifles
One K2 assault rifle
One Red Ryder rifle
Three pump-action shotguns
Two locally fabricated pistols
Five ammunition magazines
57 live cartridges
70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
27 rounds of 9mm ammunition
One used 5.56mm round
A dagger
Three walkie-talkies
Nine international passports belonging to different individuals.
The police further noted that Akinwande’s criminal actions have caused immense grief and trauma to many families, with multiple ongoing investigations linked to his activities.
In response to the gravity of the case, the Commissioner of Police has instructed the Deputy Commissioner at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to lead a specialized team of detectives. Their mission is to widen the scope of the investigation and apprehend other individuals associated with the suspect.
