The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a 44-year-old man, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, at the Ogba Magistrate Court on 11 counts bordering on murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and related felonies.
The arraignment, which took place on Tuesday, follows Akinwande’s recent arrest by the Command’s Tactical Squad during a covert operation in the Agbado area of Ogun State. According to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the operation was codenamed Silence, Speed and Surprise and was launched after multiple failed attempts to apprehend the suspect.
Akinwande, described by police as a “notorious hired killer,” was allegedly responsible for a series of violent crimes in the Mushin area of Lagos, and had been on the police wanted list for several years.
“He was trailed to his hideout after extensive surveillance,” Hundeyin said in a statement. “Exhibits recovered at the scene included multiple assault rifles, ammunition, walkie-talkies, and a poisonous dagger. The suspect admitted to using these weapons for his operations.”
Among the charges brought against him is the alleged murder of Bankole Yusuf and Ramadan Yusuf on July 31, 2024, during a violent incident in Mushin. The police also accused him of killing five other individuals, including two unidentified persons during a gang clash on the same day.
One of the charge sheets read: “That you, Wasiu Akinwande, alias Olori Esho, and others now at large, on or before the 31st day of July 2024, at Idi-Araba area of Lagos, did knowingly and unlawfully kill Ayinla (surname unknown), Ojaja (surname unknown), and three other unknown persons by shooting them directly during a clash between your faction and others using AK-47 rifles, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 223 of the Law, C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”
The suspect is also facing charges in connection with the death of a 10-year-old girl, Aminat Lateef, in December 2010 while she was reportedly running an errand in the Fadeyi area of Lagos.
In another count, Akinwande is accused of shooting 58-year-old Awawu Ajalara in both legs on February 17, 2011, causing her permanent disability. The charge states that he “attempted to kill” the victim and “unlawfully caused grievous harm,” acts which are punishable under Sections 230(a) and 245 of the Lagos State Criminal Law.
Additional charges include the unlawful possession of high-calibre firearms and ammunition. The police allege that Akinwande was found with a K2 assault rifle, two AK-47 rifles, two locally made pistols, 70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 57 cartridges, and communication equipment.
He was reportedly unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the possession of the items.
The case has been adjourned pending further legal proceedings.
