In a landmark victory for law enforcement, the Lagos State Police Command has successfully captured one of the state’s most dangerous and elusive criminals — Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as “Olori Eso”, a notorious hired assassin and cult kingpin who has led a bloody reign of terror across Lagos for over a decade.According to a statement issued by the Command on Friday, June 20, 2025, Akinwande, 44, was apprehended during a tactical operation code-named Silence, Speed, and Surprise, executed by elite operatives of the Tactical Squad.
The operation led to his arrest in a covert hideout in Agbado, Ogun State, after years of pursuit.A Reign of Blood and Fear from 2009 to 2024, Akinwande and his criminal network unleashed violence in the Mushin axis of Lagos, perpetrating armed robberies, kidnappings, cold-blooded murders, and cult-related killings. He became a symbol of fear in the area, evading capture multiple times and allegedly staging a fake funeral in 2016 to confuse law enforcement and the public.
The arrest of Olori Eso represents a massive breakthrough in our ongoing fight against violent crimes threatening the safety and security of our people,” said a senior police official, as stated in the official Lagos State Police Command press release.
Weapons of Death Discovered During the raid on his Mushin residence, police recovered a large cache of arms and incriminating materials, including:2 AK-47 rifles 1 K2 assault rifle 1 Red Ryder rifle 3 pump action rifles 2 locally made pistols 5 magazines 57 live cartridges 70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition b 1 expended 5.56 shell 1 dagger 3 walkie-talkies 9 international passports bearing different identities Akinwande reportedly admitted to using these weapons in numerous deadly operations involving his gang.
The Long Arm of Justice this is not the first time Akinwande has been arrested.
He was first apprehended in 2011, then again in 2016, and once more in August 2024 — but each time, he found his way back onto the streets, often with suspicious releases that eroded public confidence in the justice system.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police has now ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, to launch a comprehensive investigation into Akinwande’s crimes and track down all his accomplices.
Already, four grieving families have come forward to identify him as the man responsible for the murders of their children and relatives.Awaiting Trial Under Tight Security Wasiu Akinwande is currently being held in custody under maximum security, and authorities have assured the public that he will face the full weight of the law.The Lagos Police Command reiterated its commitment to rooting out violent crime and restoring peace and order to all communities across the state.
👉 For verified news updates, visit www.frontnaija.com📌 Original Source: Lagos State Police Command Press Statement – June 20, 2025
