Most-wanted assassin rearrested; weapons and passports recovered

The Lagos State Police Command has rearrested a notorious gang leader and assassin, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, during a covert operation tagged “Silence, Speed and Surprise.”

Akinwande, 44, was arrested on Friday, June 20, 2025, at his hideout in Agbado, Ogun State, after years on the run. He is believed to be behind a decade-long wave of violent crimes in Lagos, including murder, armed robberies, kidnappings, and cult-related killings, especially in Mushin.

This is not his first arrest. Akinwande was previously apprehended in 2016 by the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCIID) in connection with multiple gang-related killings. At the time, he was linked to the deaths of a 29-year-old trader, a 9-year-old girl, and others, with sources tying him to violent NURTW clashes dating back to 2009.

In the June 2025 operation, police recovered several weapons and incriminating items from his Mushin residence, including rifles, pistols, ammunition, walkie-talkies, a dagger, and nine international passports belonging to different individuals.

ALSO READ: Gunmen kill two security operatives in Rivers state Ambush

According to the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Akinwande confessed to using the weapons in his operations.

“Akinwande’s criminal activities have left trauma, horror, agony, and pain in the families of victims of his numerous high-profile crimes,” the police said, noting that four families have already identified him as the killer of their loved ones.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a full-scale investigation led by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to dismantle Akinwande’s entire network and bring all collaborators to justice.

The police commended the Tactical Squad for their bravery and urged the public to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information to support ongoing investigations. Akinwande remains in custody under tight security and will be prosecuted in line with the law.