•Police recover sophisticated arms, ammunition
Lagos State Police Command on Friday, June 20, recorded a significant breakthrough with the arrest of Wasiu Akinwande a.k.a Olori Eso, who is said to be a notorious hired killer, head of killer gangs, and cultist kingpin.
The arrest is part of the Command’s relentless fight against crime of violence and other criminalities in Lagos State.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the arrest of the 44-year-old suspect was successfully carried out by the tactical squad operatives of the Command, in a well-coordinated special operation code-named Silence, Speed and Surprise.
The operatives reportedly trailed Olori Eso, who, along with his multiple gangs and hoodlums, had been terrorising Mushin area of the state and its environs.
Confirming the suspect’s arrest, the Command’s spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the serial killer suspect was 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,” the PPRO said.
Hundeyin made it known that Olori Eso was arrested in his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State after several attempts by the police tactical squad.
The PPRO stated: “For over a decade now, from 2009 until 2024, Wasiu Akinwande a.k.a Olori Eso and his gangs have terrorised the people and communities, particularly in the Mushin area of Lagos State.
“He was responsible for organising 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.
“Akinwande’s criminal activities have left trauma, horror, agony and pains in the families of victims of his numerous high-profile crimes under investigation by the Lagos State Police Command.
“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 firearms recovered include two AK-47 rifles, one K2 Assault rifle, one Red Ryder rifle, three pump action rifles, two locally-made single-barrel pistols, five magazines, 57 live cartridges, 70 5.56 live ammunition, 27 9mm ammunition, one expended 5.56 ammunition, one dagger, three walkie-talkies and nine international passports belonging to different individuals.”
The police spokesman said that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) had been directed by the Commissioner of Police, Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, to lead other specially selected crack detectives to broaden the investigation of the cases, round up all other suspects linked to Wasiu Akinwande and bring them to justice.
Four families were said to have come forward to identify him as the suspect behind the killings of their children and wards.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, hereby wishes to reassure all Lagosians that their safety and security remain the top priority of the Command.
“CP Jimoh commends all the officers involved in this operation for their bravery and dedication and urges the public to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information to aid its crime-fighting efforts,” the police image maker said.
Wasiu Akinwande is said to be currently in police custody under heavy security, and will be made to face the full weight of the law for all his crimes.
The PPRO affirmed Lagos State Police Command’s steadfastness in its mission to make Lagos a no-go area for criminals and ensure safety and security of all Lagosians and visitors alike.
The Command also called on residents to remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station and await the outcome of police investigation which definitely will be made public.
