The police command in Lagos State has arraigned a 44-year-old suspected cult kingpin, Wasiu Akinwande, before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court over alleged serial killings and unlawful possession of firearms.

Akinwande, popularly known as “Olori Eso,” was arraigned on Tuesday on an 11-count charge bordering on murder, cultism, and illegal possession of firearms.

Magistrate M.O. Tanimola 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 September 4.

Earlier, the prosecutor, DSP Nosa Uhumwangho told the court that the suspect was apprehended on June 20 at his hideout in Agbado, Ogun State, after several failed attempts by the Police Tactical Squad.

Mr Uhumwangho stated, “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.’’

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.

He said, “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 passports with valid visa belonging to different individuals during the raid on his residence.’’

According to him, four families have already identified him as the suspect responsible for the killings of their children and relatives.

The murder offence attracts death sentence upon conviction under section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

(NAN)