The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, described as the most wanted hired killer in the recent history of Lagos State.
The 44-year-old suspect was apprehended during a highly-coordinated tactical raid codenamed “Silence, Speed and Surprise”, carried out by the Command’s Tactical Squad at his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State.
Spokesman of the Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in the fight against violent crime in Lagos.
“This serial killer suspect is the most wanted in Lagos in recent times. His arrest marks a huge success in the ongoing fight against violent crimes that threaten the safety and security of residents, especially in Mushin and surrounding areas,” the statement read.
According to the police, the operation also led to the recovery of a cache of dangerous weapons and items from the suspect’s hideout, including:
Two (2) AK-47 rifles
One (1) K2 assault rifle
One (1) Red Ryder rifle
Three (3) pump-action rifles
Two (2) locally-made single-barrel pistols
Five (5) magazines
Fifty-seven (57) live cartridges
Seventy (70) rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition
Twenty-seven (27) rounds of 9mm live ammunition
One (1) expended 5.56mm round
One (1) dagger
Three (3) walkie-talkies
Nine (9) international passports belonging to different individuals
The police said Akinwande’s criminal activities had left “trauma, horror, agony, and pain” in the lives of many families across the state, with several high-profile murder cases now linked to him under active investigation.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State CID, to lead a special team of detectives to expand the investigation and ensure the arrest of all accomplices and gang members associated with Akinwande.
The Command reiterated its commitment to rooting out criminal elements and urged the public to remain vigilant and support the police with credible information.
