By Fisayo Ogunsakin with agency reports
The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a 44-year-old man, Wasiu Akinwande, widely known as “Olori Eso,” for alleged involvement in serial killings and illegal possession of firearms.
Akinwande, believed to be a notorious cult leader, appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday on an 11-count charge that includes murder, cultism, and unlawful possession of weapons.
Magistrate M.O. Tanimola did not take his plea but ordered that he be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility. The magistrate further instructed that the case file be forwarded to the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. The matter was adjourned until September 4.
According to the prosecution, Akinwande was arrested on June 20 at his hideout in Agbado, Ogun State, following several failed attempts by the Police Tactical Squad.
“Operatives of the Tactical Squad, during a special operation code-named ‘Silence, Speed and Surprise’, successfully trailed and apprehended the suspect,” said DSP Nosa Uhumwangho, the lead prosecutor.
The police allege that Akinwande and his gangs orchestrated violent operations across Mushin and surrounding communities from 2009 to 2024, spreading fear and destabilizing public peace.
A raid on his Mushin residence reportedly yielded a large cache of firearms and incriminating materials believed to have been used in various criminal activities.
“Recovered items include nine AK-47 rifles, two pump action guns, two locally-made pistols, five magazines, 57 live cartridges, 70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 27 9mm bullets, one expended 5.56mm shell, a dagger, and three walkie-talkies,” said Uhumwangho.
Also found were 13 international passports with valid visas belonging to different individuals.
The prosecution revealed that four families have already identified Akinwande as the person allegedly responsible for the deaths of their loved ones.
Under Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, murder is a capital offence and carries the death penalty upon conviction.
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