A 44-year-old suspected cult kingpin, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as “Olori Eso”, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court an 11-count charge bordering on murder, cultism, and illegal possession of firearms by the over alleged serial killings and unlawful possession of firearms.
Olori Eso, who was arrested on June 20 at his hideout in Agbado, Ogun, after several failed attempts by the Police Tactical Squad was arraigned before Magistrate M.O. Tanimola.
The prosecutor, DSP Nosa Uhumwangho told the court that the suspect was arrested by operatives of the Tactical Squad of the police during a special operation code-named ‘Silence, Speed and Surprise’ after many failed attempts to arrest him.
The prosecutor also told the court that weapons recovered from Olori Eso include nine AK-47 rifles, two pump actions, two locally- made pistols and ammunitions. The guns and other weapons, the prosecutor said were recovered from the Mushin residence of the suspect after his arrest.
He said Olori Eso was using the weapons and other incriminating items for his criminal operations.
“The suspect with his multiple gangs had led several violent operations in Mushin and environs causing chaos from 2009 to 2024.
“His criminal reign spread fear among residents and posed a significant threat to peace and order in Lagos communities,” he said.
The prosecutor alleged that the police operatives raided his Mushin residence and recovered a cache of weapons and incriminating items used during his criminal operations.
“Recovered items include nine AK-47 rifles, two pump actions and two locally- made pistols.
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“Also recovered were five magazines, 57 live cartridges, 70 5.56mm ammunition, 27 9mm rounds, one expended 5.56mm shell, a dagger and three walkie-talkies.
“Police also found 13 international passports with valid visa belonging to different individuals during the raid on his residence, ” he said.
According to him, four families have already identified him as the suspect responsible for the killings of their children and relatives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that murder offence attracts death sentence upon conviction under section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Akinwande, did not take the defendant’s plea but ordered his remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility.
Tanimola directed the police to send the case file to the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice and adjourned the case until Sept. 4.
