Notorious Lagos Hitman ‘Olori Eso’ Arraigned for Multiple Murders and Firearms Offences

The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned Wasiu Akinwande, also known as Olori Eso, a 44-year-old suspected contract killer, on 11 criminal charges including multiple counts of murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and other related felonies.

The arraignment took place at the Ogba Magistrate Court, following his recent arrest by the Command’s Tactical Squad in a covert operation tagged “Silence, Speed, and Surprise.”

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspect was apprehended at his hideout in Agbado, Ogun State, after evading capture for several years. Hundeyin described Akinwande as “one of the most wanted, vicious, and notorious hired killers” in Lagos.

History of Violence

Akinwande, alleged to be the ringleader of a feared faction operating in Mushin and its environs, was linked to several killings and violent attacks in Lagos over the past decade. He had reportedly been on the police radar for years due to his involvement in bloody clashes and cult-related violence.

Recovered from his residence during the raid were:

• Two AK-47 rifles (breach numbers: 0275 and 5688)
• One K2 assault rifle (breach No. AR72739)
• Two locally made single-barrel pistols
• 70 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition
• 27 rounds of 9mm live ammunition
• 57 cartridges
• Three walkie-talkies
• A poisonous dagger

The suspect allegedly admitted the weapons were used in operations carried out with his gang.

Charges of Murder and Grievous Harm

Some of the charges filed against Akinwande include:

• The murder of Bankole Yusuf and Ramadan Yusuf during a gang clash in Mushin on July 31, 2024
• The killing of 10-year-old Aminat Lateef on December 9, 2010, while she was on an errand in Fadeyi
• The attempted murder and grievous harm inflicted on Awawu Ajalara, 58, who was shot in both legs on February 17, 2011, at Awoniyi Street, Idi-Araba, leaving her permanently disabled

Additional charges involve the unlawful possession of high-grade firearms and ammunition, with no satisfactory explanation as to how they came into his possession — a violation of Nigeria’s Firearms Act.

Extract from Charge Sheet

One charge reads:

“That you, Wasiu Akinwande alias Olori Eso, and others now at large, on or before the 31st day of July 2024 at Idi-Araba area of Lagos, did unlawfully kill five unidentified individuals during a clash involving your faction, using AK-47 rifles, and subsequently absconded to Alagbado before being apprehended…”

Another states:

“That you, on the 17th of February 2011, did unlawfully cause grievous bodily harm to one Awawu Ajalara, aged 58, by shooting her in both legs with an AK-47 rifle, resulting in permanent disability…”

Next Steps

The Lagos Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling violent crime and bringing perpetrators to justice. The case is expected to proceed to the High Court, where the suspect will face trial on the full charges under the Criminal Laws of Lagos State and the Firearms Act of the Federation.