After years of violent crimes, persistent evasion, and widespread fear across Lagos, security forces have finally captured Wasiu Akinwande, also known by the feared alias Olori Eso.
The arrest, made by operatives of the Tactical Squad from the Lagos State Police Command, marks a pivotal moment in the state’s ongoing war against organised crime, particularly in the Mushin axis and neighbouring regions that had long suffered under the weight of his activities.
The police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, described Akinwande as a central figure in Lagos’ underworld, a notorious gang leader, cult kingpin, and hired assassin whose name had instilled fear in households and communities alike.
He was apprehended in a remote hideout located in the Agbado area of Ogun State following an intensive manhunt that spanned several months. According to Hundeyin, his capture signals a major victory for law enforcement in their quest to restore peace and stability across affected localities.
Over the course of more than a decade, from 2009 to 2024, Akinwande is believed to have masterminded countless attacks, operating with ruthless precision. His actions have been linked to a litany of criminal offences, ranging from gruesome murders and brazen armed robberies to kidnappings and cult-related executions.
The cumulative effect of these atrocities, the police say, has left deep psychological scars on the families of victims and a widespread sense of insecurity throughout Mushin and its environs.
His arrest was the result of numerous attempts by the Tactical Squad, whose resolve never wavered despite his successful escapes across multiple states over the years. According to authorities, his Mushin residence had previously been raided, but the fugitive had always managed to stay one step ahead—until now.
During the most recent operation, investigators seized a trove of weapons and materials, items that Akinwande himself allegedly confessed to using in the execution of violent attacks carried out with his gang members.
In his statement, Hundeyin noted that the severity of the crimes under investigation—and the level of planning and organisation behind them—underscored the threat Akinwande posed. His reign of violence had turned Mushin into a flashpoint for criminal activity, making it one of the most volatile parts of Lagos.
For years, law-abiding citizens lived in fear, unable to go about their daily routines without the constant threat of sudden violence.
The Lagos State Police Command, in response to the magnitude of Akinwande’s crimes, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to oversee a broader investigation. A select team of elite detectives has also been constituted to delve deeper into the suspect’s operations and identify all others who may have been involved in his network of violence.
Already, four families have identified him as the person responsible for the deaths of their loved ones, a development that authorities believe is only the beginning of the testimonies to come.
Speaking further, Hundeyin reaffirmed the Police Command’s commitment to pursuing justice for all victims of Akinwande’s crimes. He reiterated the message that criminal elements would no longer find refuge in Lagos, noting that the relentless pursuit of justice had finally borne fruit in this case.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh also issued a public statement in the wake of the arrest, assuring residents that the command’s top priority remains the protection of lives and property.
He emphasised that the capture of Akinwande should reassure citizens that justice is not beyond reach and that the full weight of the law would be brought to bear on those who have long tormented communities.
What you should know
Wasiu Akinwande, long regarded as one of the most dangerous men in Lagos, has been captured after over a decade of orchestrating violent crimes, particularly in Mushin.
His arrest came after persistent efforts by law enforcement and marks a major win for security forces aiming to restore peace. Investigations are ongoing to trace his collaborators and offer justice to families of his numerous alleged victims.
