Lagos Police Nab Notorious Cult Leader and Hired Killer in Major Operation

In a major milestone in the ongoing fight against violent crime in Lagos State, the Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of a notorious cult kingpin and hired assassin, Wasiu Akinwande, also known as “Olori Eso.” The 44-year-old suspect, described as one of the most wanted criminals in Lagos history, was apprehended on June 20, 2025, in a well-coordinated special operation code-named Silence, Speed, and Surprise. The operation was executed by Tactical Squad operatives of the Command.

According to the Police, Akinwande has long been the head of multiple killer gangs and cult groups that have wreaked havoc in the Mushin area and other parts of Lagos. His arrest follows years of relentless pursuit by law enforcement agencies after a reign of terror that spanned from 2009 to 2024. During this period, he is believed to have masterminded numerous high-profile armed robberies, cold-blooded murders, kidnappings, and cult-related killings, leaving a trail of trauma and fear in several communities.

Akinwande was eventually captured in his hideout in the Agbado area of neighboring Ogun State after evading law enforcement through frequent relocations across different states. Despite his repeated escapes, the Lagos State Police Command remained resolute in its mission to bring him to justice. His arrest is seen as a major breakthrough in dismantling criminal networks that have posed persistent threats to public safety in the state.

Police Recover Weapons Cache, Deepen Investigation into Notorious Killer’s Network

In the course of the investigation, operatives raided Akinwande’s former residence in Mushin, where a cache of weapons and incriminating items was recovered. The suspect reportedly admitted that these items were used in his deadly operations. The firearms 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 single-barrel pistols, Five (5) magazines, Fifty-seven (57) live cartridges, Seventy (70) 5.56 live ammunition, Twenty-seven (27) 9mm ammunition, One (1) expended 5.56 ammunition, One (1) dagger, Three (3) walkie-talkies and Nine (9) international passports belonging to different individuals.

Following the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to lead a team of specially selected detectives to expand the investigation and arrest all other individuals connected to Akinwande’s criminal operations. So far, four families have identified him as the person responsible for the deaths of their children and loved ones.

Commissioner Jimoh commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved in the successful operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Lagos. He also urged the public to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information that can aid in fighting crime.

Wasiu Akinwande is currently in police custody under heavy security. Authorities have assured that he will face the full weight of the law for his crimes. In a significant development, the Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that Akinwande will be formally arraigned in court tomorrow, July 9, 2025, to begin answering for the numerous charges brought against him.

The Command calls on all residents to remain alert, report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, and await the outcome of the ongoing investigation, which will be made public in due course.