An Ogba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of a gang leader in Mushin, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Esho, over allegations of multiple murders, unlawful possession of firearms, and other grievous offences.
Chief Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola directed that the defendant be held at the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kirikiri, pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The court did not take Akinwande’s plea and adjourned the case to September 4, 2025, for further proceedings.
The prosecuting officer, Superintendent Nosa Uhumwangho, urged the court to initially remand the defendant in police custody to aid ongoing investigations.
He revealed that Akinwande was found in possession of 13 international passports, some bearing the names of foreign nationals, and was believed to be part of a wider criminal gang, with several members still at large.
Uhumwangho told the court that firearms recovered from the defendant include nine AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, two pistols, a K2 assault rifle, and two locally made single-barrel pistols.
Other items allegedly found with him were 70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 57 cartridges, three walkie-talkies, and a poisonous dagger.
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However, defence counsel Adejare Kembi opposed the prosecution’s application, arguing that continued police custody would infringe on the defendant’s rights.
He cited relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2015 and urged the court to strike a balance between the defendant’s rights and the weight of evidence presented, successfully advocating for the defendant’s remand in a correctional facility instead.
The police have filed an 11-count charge against Akinwande, bordering on conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, assault, threat to life, possession of dangerous weapons, and illegal acquisition of international passports.
According to the prosecution, Akinwande and others still at large committed the alleged crimes at different times between December 9, 2010, and April 5, 2025.
The alleged incidents occurred at various locations in Mushin, Fadeyi, Surulere, and Alagbado, all in Lagos State.
Among the victims named were:
* Yusuf Bolakale (30) and Yusuf Ramadan (23), reportedly shot and killed on July 31, 2024, during a clash at Idi-Araba.
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* A 10-year-old girl, Aminat Lateef, allegedly killed on December 9, 2010, in Fadeyi while running errands.
* A 58-year-old woman, Awawu Ajalara, allegedly shot in both legs on February 17, 2011, at Idi-Araba, leaving her permanently disabled.
* Other unnamed victims identified as Anyila, Ojajo, and three others allegedly shot dead during rival cult clashes.
Akinwande is also accused of threatening one Mohammad Ali after tying him up during a violent invasion at a Surulere residence in April 2025, demanding information about another suspect known as “Sego.”
The court further heard that between 2009 and 2025, the defendant and his gang created an atmosphere of fear and terror in the Mushin community, frequently using violence, firearms, and threats to intimidate residents and illegally seize property.
The prosecution stated that Akinwande was unable to explain how he came into possession of several stolen international passports bearing the identities of Nigerian and West African nationals.
The offences contravene several sections of the Firearms Act (2004), Property Protection Law (2016), and the Lagos State Criminal Law (2015).
