The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one of the most wanted cult leaders and notorious hired killers, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, in a major breakthrough against violent crime in the state.
Akinwande, 44, was arrested on Friday, June 20, in a sting operation tagged Silence, Speed, and Surprise, carried out by the Command’s Tactical Squad in his hideout in Agbado, Ogun State.
Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest, describing Akinwande as the most feared criminal in Lagos in recent years.
A statement from the Command reads in part: “The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough in its relentless fight against violent crime and other criminal activities in Lagos State.
“On June 20, 2025, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Squad, in a well-coordinated special operation code-named Silence, Speed, and Surprise, successfully trailed and arrested Wasiu Akinwande, aka Olori Eso—a 44-year-old notorious hired killer, gang leader, and cult kingpin who, along with his multiple gangs, has been terrorizing the Mushin area of Lagos State and its environs.
“The police described Akinwande as the most wanted suspect in Lagos in recent memory. His arrest marks a major success in the ongoing battle against violent crimes threatening the safety and security of residents in Mushin and beyond.
“He was arrested in his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State after several failed attempts by the police to capture him. From 2009 until 2024, Akinwande and his gangs allegedly wreaked havoc in communities, particularly in Mushin, carrying out a series of armed robberies, murders, kidnappings, and cult-related killings.
“His reign of terror instilled fear and apprehension among residents and posed a serious threat to law and order.”
The police said a raid on his Mushin residence led to the recovery of a cache of weapons and other incriminating items, which the suspect admitted were used in his gang’s operations.
Items 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, fifty-seven live cartridges, seventy rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, twenty-seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, one expended 5.56mm round, one dagger, three walkie-talkies, and nine international passports belonging to different individuals.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), to lead a team of specially selected crack detectives to broaden the investigation and apprehend all suspects linked to Akinwande.
“Already, four families have come forward to identify him as the individual responsible for the killings of their children and wards.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, reassured residents of their safety.
“Wasiu Akinwande is currently in police custody under tight security and will face the full weight of the law for his crimes. The Lagos State Police Command remains resolute in its mission to make Lagos a no-go area for criminals and to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors.
“The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station as investigations continue.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
