Lagos Court Orders Remand of Alleged Cult Kingpin for Serial Killings

A 44-year-old man, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Esho, has been remanded in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre by an Ikeja Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos State, over allegations of multiple murders and other violent crimes.

Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola ordered his remand for an initial period of 30 days, pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Akinwande is facing an 11-count charge, including conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, membership of an unlawful society, possession of a poisonous dagger, grievous bodily harm, threats to life, and possession of other dangerous weapons.

According to police prosecutor, Nosa Uhumwangho, the offences were committed between December 9, 2010, and April 5, 2025, at various locations across Lagos State, including Mushin, Idi-Araba, Surulere, and Fadeyi.

Uhumwangho told the court that the defendant, while allegedly in unlawful possession of an AK-47 rifle, shot and killed two men—30-year-old Yusuf Bolakale and 23-year-old Yusuf Ramadan—at No. 11 Mosalashi Street, Mushin.

The prosecutor further alleged that on December 9, 2010, the defendant fatally shot a 10-year-old girl, Aminat Lateef, at Tiamiyu Street, Fadeyi, while she was running an errand.

In another gruesome incident, on July 31, 2024, Akinwande was accused of killing six people, including two individuals identified only as Anyila and Ojajo, during a violent clash between rival cult groups in the Idi-Araba area.

The court has adjourned the case pending further legal proceedings.