OPAY AD
ADVERTISEMENT
  • The Membership Club
  • #EndSARS Dashboard
  • PT Hausa
  • About Us
  • PT Jobs
  • Advert Rates
  • Contact Us
  • Digital Store
Friday, July 18, 2025
Premium Times Nigeria
  • Home
  • News
    • Headline Stories
    • Top News
    • More News
    • Foreign
  • Gender
  • Investigations
    • All
    • Blood on Uniforms
    lithium rush gets off to rocky start

    Nigeria’s push to cash in on lithium rush gets off to rocky start

    A CNG-converted bus

    INVESTIGATION: Black market diversions, conflict of interest threaten Tinubu’s CNG initiative

    Former president Buhari

    EXCLUSIVE: Ex-President Buhari is ill, hospitalised abroad

    Kwara State map

    SPECIAL REPORT: Farmers feeling the brunt as kidnappers lay siege to Kwara communities

    Insecurity, other factors threaten Africa’s ambitious Great Green Wall

    Consumed by Terror: Insecurity, other factors threaten Africa’s ambitious Great Green Wall (II)

    Ramin Kura IDP camp

    No Place To Call Home: Lost childhoods of Sokoto’s displaced children

    A farmer tending a young plant on a dune stabilisation site in Nguel Borno, Niger Republic.

    Consumed by Terror: Africa’s ambitious Great Green Wall faces crucial threat (1)

    The floodgate_ The 29 May flooding broke this train dyke and sent terror through Mokwa town, claiming lives, properties and displacing thousands

    How deforestation aided Mokwa floods that killed over 200, displaced 3,000 others

    An unnamed man discussing with his pregnant wife after their routine excercise at the Alimosho General Hospital, Lagos Photo credit: Oluwakemi Adelagun-Olaoti

    Supporting Dads: Flexible jobs help Nigerian men attend antenatal care

  • Business
    • News Reports
    • Financial Inclusion
    • Analysis and Data
    • Business Specials
    • Trade Insights
    • Opinion
    • Oil/Gas Reports
      • FAAC Reports
      • Revenue
  • Opinion
    • All
    • Analysis
    • Columns
    • Contributors
    • Editorial
    Azu Ishiekwene writes about Muhammadu Buhari and his legacy.

    Musings on Muhammadu Buhari, By Azu Ishiekwene

    Surveillance, safety, and the silencing of truth, By Angela Quintal

    Surveillance, safety, and the silencing of truth, By Angela Quintal

    Bolutife Oluwadele writes about tax reforms in Nigeria.

    Bridging the gaps in policies ands implementation: Nigeria’s new tax laws, By Bolutife Oluwadele

    Mide Alabi wrote about the failure of JAMB in the last UTME.

    Lagos State has a housing problem – here’s how to fix it, By ‘Mide Alabi

    Tope Fasua writes that corruption should never define us in Nigeria.

    On Farooq Kperogi and the remuneration of professors in Japan, By ‘Tope Fasua

    Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf writes about the struggle for June 12.

    Count the West out of democracy and development in Africa, By Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf

  • Health
    • News Reports
    • Special Reports and Investigations
    • Health Specials
    • Features and Interviews
    • Multimedia
    • Primary Health Tracker
  • Agriculture
    • News Report
    • Special Reports/Investigations
    • Features
    • Interviews
    • Multimedia
  • Arts/Life
    • Arts/Books
    • Kannywood
    • Lifestyle
    • Music
    • Nollywood
    • Travel
  • Sports
    • Football
    • More Sports News
    • Sports Features
    • Casino
      • Non AAMS
  • Elections
    • 2024 Ondo Governorship Election
    • 2024 Edo Governorship Election
    • Presidential
    • Gubernatorial
  • Home
  • News
    • Headline Stories
    • Top News
    • More News
    • Foreign
  • Gender
  • Investigations
    • All
    • Blood on Uniforms
    lithium rush gets off to rocky start

    Nigeria’s push to cash in on lithium rush gets off to rocky start

    A CNG-converted bus

    INVESTIGATION: Black market diversions, conflict of interest threaten Tinubu’s CNG initiative

    Former president Buhari

    EXCLUSIVE: Ex-President Buhari is ill, hospitalised abroad

    Kwara State map

    SPECIAL REPORT: Farmers feeling the brunt as kidnappers lay siege to Kwara communities

    Insecurity, other factors threaten Africa’s ambitious Great Green Wall

    Consumed by Terror: Insecurity, other factors threaten Africa’s ambitious Great Green Wall (II)

    Ramin Kura IDP camp

    No Place To Call Home: Lost childhoods of Sokoto’s displaced children

    A farmer tending a young plant on a dune stabilisation site in Nguel Borno, Niger Republic.

    Consumed by Terror: Africa’s ambitious Great Green Wall faces crucial threat (1)

    The floodgate_ The 29 May flooding broke this train dyke and sent terror through Mokwa town, claiming lives, properties and displacing thousands

    How deforestation aided Mokwa floods that killed over 200, displaced 3,000 others

    An unnamed man discussing with his pregnant wife after their routine excercise at the Alimosho General Hospital, Lagos Photo credit: Oluwakemi Adelagun-Olaoti

    Supporting Dads: Flexible jobs help Nigerian men attend antenatal care

  • Business
    • News Reports
    • Financial Inclusion
    • Analysis and Data
    • Business Specials
    • Trade Insights
    • Opinion
    • Oil/Gas Reports
      • FAAC Reports
      • Revenue
  • Opinion
    • All
    • Analysis
    • Columns
    • Contributors
    • Editorial
    Azu Ishiekwene writes about Muhammadu Buhari and his legacy.

    Musings on Muhammadu Buhari, By Azu Ishiekwene

    Surveillance, safety, and the silencing of truth, By Angela Quintal

    Surveillance, safety, and the silencing of truth, By Angela Quintal

    Bolutife Oluwadele writes about tax reforms in Nigeria.

    Bridging the gaps in policies ands implementation: Nigeria’s new tax laws, By Bolutife Oluwadele

    Mide Alabi wrote about the failure of JAMB in the last UTME.

    Lagos State has a housing problem – here’s how to fix it, By ‘Mide Alabi

    Tope Fasua writes that corruption should never define us in Nigeria.

    On Farooq Kperogi and the remuneration of professors in Japan, By ‘Tope Fasua

    Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf writes about the struggle for June 12.

    Count the West out of democracy and development in Africa, By Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf

  • Health
    • News Reports
    • Special Reports and Investigations
    • Health Specials
    • Features and Interviews
    • Multimedia
    • Primary Health Tracker
  • Agriculture
    • News Report
    • Special Reports/Investigations
    • Features
    • Interviews
    • Multimedia
  • Arts/Life
    • Arts/Books
    • Kannywood
    • Lifestyle
    • Music
    • Nollywood
    • Travel
  • Sports
    • Football
    • More Sports News
    • Sports Features
    • Casino
      • Non AAMS
  • Elections
    • 2024 Ondo Governorship Election
    • 2024 Edo Governorship Election
    • Presidential
    • Gubernatorial
Premium Times Nigeria
BUA Group Ad BUA Group Ad BUA Group Ad
Nigeria Police

Nigeria Police

Police arrest notorious gang leader in Lagos, recover weapons

Police said suspect led several deadly gangs involved in armed robbery, cult clashes, kidnapping, and murder in Lagos for over a decade.

byEmmanuel Agbo
June 20, 2025
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man it described as the most wanted and notorious gang leader in the state in recent times.

Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, was arrested at his hideout in the Agbado area of neighbouring Ogun State, during a covert operation code-named “Silence, Speed and Surprise” by the Command’s Tactical Squad

Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday, said Mr Akinwande had long evaded capture and was known for terrorising the Mushin area and other parts of Lagos with violent crimes.

“This serial killer suspect is the most wanted in Lagos State in recent times,” Mr Hundeyin said. “His arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the Command’s efforts to tackle violent crimes threatening the security and safety of residents in Mushin and other parts of the state.”

Cache of weapons recovered

During the operation, police recovered a large cache of arms and incriminating items from the suspect’s residence, Mr Hundeyin said.

According to him, these include two (2) AK-47 rifles, one (1) K2 assault rifle, one (1) Red Ryder rifle, three (3) pump-action shotguns and two (2) locally made single-barrel pistols.

Audience Feedback Survey

Others are five magazines, fifty-seven live cartridges, seventy rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, twenty-seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, one expended 5.56mm round, one dagger, three walkie-talkies, and nine international passports belonging to different individuals.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion

Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it.

Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you.

Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation.

Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories —no paywalls, just quality journalism.

Mr Hundeyin said the suspect admitted to using the weapons for multiple coordinated attacks with his gang.

A reign of terror

Police said Mr Akinwande led several deadly gangs involved in armed robbery, cult clashes, kidnapping, and murder in Lagos for over a decade.

Join the Premium Times WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.

Open in WhatsApp

He is also accused of masterminding multiple high-profile killings in Mushin and neighbouring areas.

“The trauma, horror, and pain inflicted on families by Akinwande and his gang are incalculable,” Mr Hundeyin said, adding that the Command is currently investigating several murder cases linked to the suspect.

The Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, has directed the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to lead an expanded investigation into Mr Akinwande’s network and ensure that all co-conspirators are brought to justice.

Echoes from the past

This is not the first time Mr Akinwande has been arrested by the police.

In April 2016, Punch newspaper reported how many residents in Mushin celebrated his arrest, while others remained cautious, fearing a repeat of past events when Mr Akinwande was reportedly arrested and released without trial.

Punch newspaper reported that Mr Akinwande was apprehended at the time by officers from the Area D Command alongside two other gang members, Afeez Kehinde and Mubo Jones, only to be released within hours despite what they claim was overwhelming evidence.

Speaking to Punch after the 2016 arrest, a resident, Waheed, whose pregnant wife Ms Ruka was killed during a gang shooting in 2015, expressed both relief and concern.

“I’m happy he’s finally in custody. But we’ve seen this before. He was arrested and released just hours later. People are afraid that history might repeat itself,” he said.

A pattern of escape

According to Punch, Mr Akinwande has repeatedly escaped justice. In 2011, during a violent clash between his gang and local residents, he was arrested but released shortly afterward. Later, members of his gang reportedly faked his death by printing obituaries and staging a burial to mislead security agencies.

He resurfaced years later and continued his violent activities, including a 2015 attack on Ikeolu Street, Mushin, during which his gang allegedly killed Ruka, a noodle seller.

READ ALSO: Two killed, two abducted as suspected cultists attack Anambra community Police

Punch reported that Mr Akinwande’s gang was previously linked to the death of nine-year-old Aminat Lateef in Fadeyi, Lagos, on December 9, 2010. She was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during a gang clash while returning from an errand.

That case led to the arrest and arraignment of one of his close associates, Alayode Abiola, alias Aloma.

As investigations deepen, police said on Friday that at least four families have come forward to identify Mr Akinwande as the person responsible for the murders of their loved ones.

Mr Akinwande is currently in custody under heavy security. Police say he will be prosecuted and made to “face the full weight of the law.”

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Print


Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility

At Premium Times, we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all.

Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates, in-depth investigations into pressing national issues, or entertaining trending stories, we value your readership.

It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.

Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basis to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news? 

Make Contribution



TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999






PT Mag Campaign AD

Previous Post

Appeal Court upholds permanent forfeiture of recovered N1.5 billion bribery proceeds

Next Post

AfricaNenda Foundation and NIBSS push for scalable, inclusive payment systems at stakeholders forum

Emmanuel Agbo

Emmanuel Agbo

More News

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir, urges residents to be welcoming during President Tinubu's visit to offer his condolences.

Governor urges residents to show hospitality as Tinubu visits Kano

July 18, 2025
A clean sweep for Nigeria in the U-18 Girls 100m Credit: AFN Media

CAA U18/U20 Championships: Team Nigeria dominates Girls’ 100m, shines in Mixed Relay in Abeokuta

July 18, 2025
Nigeria's Super Falcons Credit CAF Media

Nigeria vs Zambia (PREVIEW): Super Falcons, Copper Queens set for WAFCON quarterfinal clash

July 18, 2025
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force [PHOTO: X @PoliceNG]

Five arrested as police kill suspected kidnapper, recover N10 million ransom

July 18, 2025
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

Witness links SunTrust Bank executives, Aisha Achimugu to suspicious cash-based forex transactions

July 18, 2025
Dumebi Kachikwu

Ex-presidential candidate accuses Atiku-led coalition of bribing ADC state officials to vacate office

July 17, 2025
Leave Comment

  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Our Digital Network

  • PT Hausa
  • Election Centre
  • Human Trafficking Investigation
  • Centre for Investigative Journalism
  • National Conference
  • Press Attack Tracker
  • PT Academy
  • Dubawa
  • LeaksNG
  • Campus Reporter

Resources

  • Oil & Gas Facts
  • List of Universities in Nigeria
  • LIST: Federal Unity Colleges in Nigeria
  • NYSC Orientation Camps in Nigeria
  • Nigeria’s Federal/States’ Budgets since 2005
  • Malabu Scandal Thread
  • World Cup 2018
  • Panama Papers Game

Projects & Partnerships

  • AUN-PT Data Hub
  • #EndSARS Dashboard
  • Parliament Watch
  • Panama Papers
  • AGAHRIN
  • #PandoraPapers
  • #ParadisePapers
  • #SuisseSecrets
  • Our Digital Network
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Resources
  • Projects
  • Data & Infographics
  • DONATE

All content is Copyrighted © 2025 The Premium Times, Nigeria

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

  • Home
  • Elections
    • 2024 Ondo Governorship Election
    • 2024 Edo Governorship Election
    • Presidential & NASS
    • Gubernatorial & State House
  • News
    • Headline Stories
    • Top News
    • More News
    • Foreign
  • Investigations
  • Business
    • Gender
    • News Reports
    • Financial Inclusion
    • Analysis and Data
    • Trade Insights
    • Business Specials
    • Oil/Gas Reports
      • FAAC Reports
      • Revenue
  • Health
    • COVID-19
    • News Reports
    • Special Reports and Investigations
    • Data and Infographics
    • Health Specials
    • Features
    • Events
    • Primary Health Tracker
  • Agriculture
    • News Report
    • Research & Innovation
    • Data & Infographics
    • Special Reports/Investigations
    • Features
    • Interviews
    • Multimedia
  • Arts/Life
    • Arts/Books
    • Kannywood
    • Lifestyle
    • Music
    • Nollywood
    • Travel
  • Sports
    • Football
    • More Sports News
    • Sports Features
    • Casino
      • Non AAMS
  • #EndSARS Dashboard
  • AUN-PT Data Hub
  • Projects
    • Panama Papers
    • Paradise Papers
    • SuisseSecrets
    • Parliament Watch
    • AGAHRIN
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • PT Hausa
  • The Membership Club
  • DONATE
  • About Us
  • Dubawa NG
  • Advert Rates
  • PT Jobs
  • Digital Store
  • Contact Us

All content is Copyrighted © 2025 The Premium Times, Nigeria