The Lagos State Police Command has brought a 44-year-old suspected cult kingpin, wasiu akinwande, before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court. akinwande, who is popularly known as “olori eso,” faces an 11-count charge for alleged offenses, including serial killings, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
During the arraignment on tuesday, Magistrate M.O. tanimola did not take the defendant’s plea. instead, the court ordered that Akinwande be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility.
In line with legal procedure, magistrate tanimola directed the police to forward the case file to the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. the case has been adjourned until september 4 for further mention.
Earlier, the prosecutor, DSP Nosa Uhumwangho told the court that the suspect was apprehended on June 20 at his hideout in Agbado, Ogun, after several failed attempts by the Police Tactical Squad.
“Operatives of the Tactical Squad, during a special operation code-named ‘Silence, Speed and Surprise’, successfully trailed and apprehended the suspect.
“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.
“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.
