The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 44-year-old notorious criminal, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, in a decisive operation that led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons and illegal items.
The suspect, long feared across Mushin and surrounding areas, was apprehended on Friday, June 20, 2025, after years of evading law enforcement.
The arrest was announced in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin. According to Hundeyin, the operation — codenamed Silence, Speed, and Surprise — was conducted by the Tactical Squad of the Command and marked a major success in the fight against violent crime in Lagos.
“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,” Hundeyin stated.
Describing Akinwande as one of the most wanted and dangerous criminals in Lagos in recent times, the police revealed he had been linked to a series of murders, armed robberies, cult-related violence, and kidnappings dating as far back as 2009.
“His reign of terror instilled fear and apprehension among residents and posed a serious threat to law and order,” the statement read.
“Despite constantly changing locations to avoid arrest, the Command remained relentless in its pursuit.”
The suspect was finally captured in Agbado, Ogun State, after numerous failed attempts. A follow-up raid at his Mushin residence led to the recovery of several high-grade weapons and incriminating materials. Items recovered include:
• Two (2) AK-47 rifles
• One (1) K2 assault rifle
• One (1) Red Ryder rifle
• Three (3) pump-action rifles
• Two (2) locally-made pistols
• Five (5) magazines
• 57 live cartridges
• 70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
• 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition
• A dagger
• Three (3) walkie-talkies
• Nine (9) international passports belonging to various individuals
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a deeper investigation into the suspect’s criminal network. A special team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has been tasked with apprehending all individuals linked to the suspect.
So far, four families have come forward, identifying Akinwande as responsible for the deaths of their loved ones.
“Wasiu Akinwande is currently in police custody under tight security and will face the full weight of the law,” CP Jimoh assured.
“We urge the public to continue supporting us with credible information as we work to make Lagos a no-go area for criminals.”
He also commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved in the operation, urging the public to remain vigilant.
“The safety and security of Lagosians remain our top priority,” the police emphasised. “We encourage residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.”
The arrest of Olori Eso marks a significant win in the Lagos Police Command’s effort to restore peace and security to communities plagued by gang violence and cultism.
