Police arrest notorious Lagos assassin Olori Eso in major tactical operation

Summary

• Lagos Police apprehend hired assassin Wasiu Akinwande, alias Olori Eso, after 15 years on the run
• Weapons cache including AK-47 and walkie-talkies recovered during raid in Ogun State
• Arrest marks major breakthrough in ongoing crackdown on violent crime in Lagos

Lagos — The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of Wasiu Akinwande, a 44-year-old notorious hired assassin widely known as Olori Eso, in a major tactical operation conducted on June 20, 2025.

Akinwande, believed to be one of the most dangerous and elusive criminals in Lagos, was captured in his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State after a surprise raid code-named “Silence, Speed, and Surprise.”

According to Lagos State Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, Akinwande had operated with impunity for over 15 years, orchestrating assassinations, armed robberies, and acts of terrorism, particularly in the Mushin area and surrounding communities. He is also said to have led multiple cult gangs responsible for years of unrest and bloodshed across the region.

During the operation, the Command’s Tactical Squad recovered a cache of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, walkie-talkies, and passports, all reportedly used by Akinwande in the course of his criminal activities. The suspect is said to have confessed to multiple crimes upon interrogation.

The cache of weapons and passports recovered from Akinwande

In response to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police has tasked the Deputy Commissioner of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) with leading a thorough investigation aimed at dismantling Akinwande’s criminal network and bringing his accomplices to justice.

Authorities described the arrest as a major victory in the fight against violent crime in Lagos, especially in Mushin, a known hotspot for cult clashes and gang-related violence even as the police reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace and security across the state.