In what authorities are calling a landmark breakthrough in the fight against violent crime, the Lagos State Police Command has successfully apprehended the most wanted criminal in the state, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso. The arrest was made on Friday, June 20, 2025, in a coordinated intelligence-led operation named “Silence, Speed, and Surprise.”
The 44-year-old Akinwande, described by police as a notorious gang leader and hired assassin, was captured at a hideout in Agbado, Ogun State, after months of extensive surveillance and planning. His arrest marks the culmination of years of police efforts to dismantle what has been described as a violent and far-reaching criminal empire.
Akinwande has long been identified as the mastermind behind numerous violent crimes, particularly in the Mushin area of Lagos. According to law enforcement officials, his operations spanned over a decade and included armed robbery, assassination, kidnapping, cult-related killings, and other serious offenses that instilled fear in communities and left dozens of victims in their wake.
The Lagos State Police Command stated that the operation involved tactical precision and strategic coordination, with elite units of the force executing the raid that ultimately led to his arrest. Police officials praised the success of the mission, noting that it was the result of consistent intelligence gathering, undercover monitoring, and careful planning.
Following Akinwande’s capture, a significant cache of weapons and evidence was recovered from one of his key operational bases in Mushin. The items retrieved confirmed the scale and organization of his criminal enterprise. Among the weapons seized were two AK-47 rifles, one K2 assault rifle, one Red Ryder rifle, three pump-action shotguns, and two locally-made single-barrel pistols.
In addition to firearms, the police recovered five magazines, fifty-seven live cartridges, seventy 5.56mm rounds of live ammunition, twenty-seven 9mm rounds, and one expended 5.56 round. Authorities also found a dagger, three walkie-talkies, and nine international passports, suggesting possible links to cross-border criminal activities.
The arrest of Akinwande is being hailed by both law enforcement and members of the public as a major victory in efforts to restore safety and order in Lagos State. For years, residents in affected areas such as Mushin lived in fear of the violence attributed to Akinwande and his gang. Police say his influence extended beyond Lagos, reaching into neighboring states, with operations that frequently eluded law enforcement due to his extensive network and ability to evade capture.
Police officials have emphasized that Akinwande’s arrest does not mark the end of their campaign against organized crime. Investigations are continuing into his network, and additional arrests are expected in the coming days as authorities work to dismantle the entire syndicate.
While the full extent of the damage caused by his criminal activities is still being documented, preliminary findings suggest that Akinwande’s gang was responsible for dozens of deaths and numerous robberies and kidnappings over the years. The Command is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The arrest has sparked relief in many Lagos communities that had been affected by his operations. Security analysts say this development sends a strong signal to other criminal networks operating within the state that law enforcement agencies remain committed to pursuing and prosecuting violent offenders, regardless of how long they have evaded justice.
Police authorities confirmed that Akinwande is currently in custody and will be charged in court following the completion of initial interrogations and evidence processing. They also reiterated their commitment to rooting out organized crime and ensuring that Lagos remains safe for its residents.
The Lagos State Police Command has called on the public to remain vigilant and to continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious activity. They emphasized that intelligence from local communities played a crucial role in tracking and apprehending the suspect, underscoring the importance of community engagement in fighting crime.
