Notorious Lagos Gang Leader ‘Olori Esho’ Remanded Over Multiple Murder Charges

A Lagos State Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba has ordered the remand of 44-year-old Wasiu Akinwande, better known as ‘Olori Esho’, at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for 30 days, pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution. The order was made on Tuesday following his arraignment on an 11-count charge encompassing conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, membership of an unlawful society, grievous bodily harm, and unlawful possession of stolen passports and weapons.

The police, led by prosecuting counsel Nosa Uhumwangho, detailed a series of allegations against Akinwande spanning December 2010 to April 2025. The offences reportedly occurred at multiple locations across Lagos, including Mushin, Surulere, Idi-Araba, and Fadeyi. Akinwande is accused of leading a reign of terror marked by repeated violence and targeted killings.

Key incidents outlined in court include the fatal shooting of two men, Yusuf Bolakale (30) and Yusuf Ramadan (23), at No. 11 Mosalashi Street, Mushin. He is also alleged to have shot and killed 10-year-old Aminat Lateef in Fadeyi on December 9, 2010, and to have murdered at least six more individuals during a violent clash at Idi-Araba in July 2024. Amongst his victims is a 58-year-old woman, Awawu Ajalara, who survived after being shot in both legs in 2011, though she now lives with permanent disability.

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Upon arrest in the Agbado area after a lengthy police manhunt dubbed ‘Silence, Speed and Surprise’, a large cache of weapons was allegedly recovered from Akinwande’s possession. Items seized included a K2 assault rifle, two AK-47 rifles, two locally made pistols, large quantities of live ammunition, walkie-talkies, and a poisonous dagger. The Nigerian Police say he could not account for how he acquired these arms and a collection of both Nigerian and foreign passports.

During proceedings, the defence counsel, Adejare Kembi, objected to police custody for remand, highlighting concerns regarding access to his client. Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola, however, ruled in favour of remand at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

Described by Lagos Police as the city’s “most wanted vicious and notorious hired killer,” Akinwande faces charges under Sections 223, 233, and 329 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, Sections 27(1) of the Firearms Act, and the Lagos State Property Protection Law, among others. The defendant’s plea was not taken at this initial hearing, signalling the start of what is expected to be a highly watched prosecution.