By John Ogunsemore
A notorious hired killer, Wasiu Akinwande aka Olori Eso, has been arrested by the police in Lagos.
In a Saturday statement, police spokesman in Lagos, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said the 44-year-year suspect was arrested on Friday, June 20, in his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State after several attempts by the police.
Hundeyin said Akinwande is head of killers gang and a cultist kingpin who along with his multiple gangs and hoodlums have been terrorising Mushin area of Lagos State and its environs.
“This serial killer suspect is the most wanted suspect in Lagos history in recent time.
“His arrest marks a huge success in the ongoing fight against violent crimes that are threats to security and safety of residents in Mushin and some other parts of Lagos State,” the police spokesman said.
Hundeyin added, “For over a decade now from 2009 until 2024, Wasiu Akinwande and his gangs have terrorised the people and communities, particularly in the Mushin area of Lagos State.
“He was responsible for organising and executing series of armed robberies, cold blooded murders, kidnappings and cult-related killings.
“His reign of terror instilled fear and apprehension in residents and posed a dangerous threat to law and order.
“Despite his escapes from one state of the country to another over the years, the Lagos State Police Command remained resolute in its pursuit of justice.”
Hundeyin explained that operatives of the command raided the suspect’s house in Mushin and “recovered cache of weapons and incriminating items he freely admitted he was using for his killing operations with his gang”.
He said exhibits recovered include: two AK-47 rifles, one K2 Assault rifle, one Red Ryder rifle, three pump action rifles, two locally made single-barrel pistols, five magazines, 57 live cartridges, 70 5.56 live ammunition, 27 9mm ammunition, one expended 5.56 ammunition, one dagger, three walkie-talkies and nine international passports belonging to different individuals.
He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to lead other specially selected detectives to broaden the investigation of the cases and round up all other suspects linked to Akinwande and bring them to justice.
He stated that four families have already come forward to identify Akinwande as the suspect behind the killings of their children and wards.
Hundeyin disclosed that Akinwande is currently in police custody under heavy security and will face the full weight of the law for all his crimes.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police reassured all Lagosians that their safety and security remain the top priority of the command.
He also commended all the officers involved in this operation for their bravery and dedication and urges the public to continue supporting the police by providing timely information to aid its crime-fighting efforts.