The Lagos State Police Command has brought a 44-year-old man, Wasiu Akinwande, known as Olori Eso, before the Ogba Magistrate Court on 11 charges that include murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and other related offenses. This arraignment occurred on Tuesday, following Akinwande’s arrest by the Command’s Tactical Squad during an undercover operation in the Agbado area of Ogun State. The operation, dubbed Silence, Speed and Surprise, was initiated after several unsuccessful attempts to capture the suspect.

Akinwande has been characterized by police as a “notorious hired killer” believed to be involved in numerous violent crimes in the Mushin area of Lagos and had been on the police’s wanted list for several years. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin stated, “He was trailed to his hideout after extensive surveillance.” Evidence collected at the scene included various assault rifles, ammunition, walkie-talkies, and a poisonous dagger, which Akinwande reportedly admitted to using in his criminal activities.

Among the serious charges against him are the alleged murders of Bankole Yusuf and Ramadan Yusuf during a violent incident in Mushin on July 31, 2024. The police also claim he was responsible for the deaths of five additional individuals, including two unidentified victims, during a gang confrontation that same day.

One of the charges specifies: “That you, Wasiu Akinwande, alias Olori Eso, and others now at large, on or before the 31st day of July 2024, at Idi-Araba area of Lagos, did knowingly and unlawfully kill Ayinla (surname unknown), Ojaja (surname unknown), and three other unknown persons by shooting them directly during a clash between your faction and others using AK-47 rifles, thereby committing an offense punishable under Section 223 of the Law, C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”

Additionally, the suspect faces charges linked to the death of a 10-year-old girl, Aminat Lateef, in December 2010, while she was reportedly running an errand in the Fadeyi area of Lagos. In another instance, Akinwande is accused of shooting 58-year-old Awawu Ajalara in both legs on February 17, 2011, leading to her permanent disability. This charge alleges he “attempted to kill” her and “unlawfully caused grievous harm,” which are offenses punishable under Sections 230(a) and 245 of the Lagos State Criminal Law.

Furthermore, he faces additional charges relating to the illegal possession of high-caliber firearms and ammunition. Police allege that Akinwande was found in possession of a K2 assault rifle, two AK-47 rifles, two homemade pistols, 70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 57 cartridges, and communication devices, failing to provide a satisfactory explanation for these items.

The case has been adjourned, pending further legal action.

The Kwara State High Court has found the former Special Assistant on Community Intervention to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq guilty of committing fraud and illegally diverting public funds. Justice Haleema Saleeman announced the verdict on Thursday, which included an order for the permanent seizure of two tractors and two tricycles that were reportedly acquired unlawfully by the former gubernatorial aide.

Justice Haleema stated that these vehicles were proceeds from illicit activities associated with a transport empowerment initiative. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed that Oyin-Zubair had sought funding amounting to N192 million Naira from the Self Reliance Economic Advancement Programme (SEAP) to purchase 100 tricycles and 100 minibuses intended for various transport unions across the state.

However, it was revealed that repayment funds totalling 72 million Naira, returned by the intended beneficiaries of the SEAP loan, were fraudulently diverted and used to acquire the forfeited assets registered in Oyin-Zubair’s name.

During the proceedings, the EFCC, represented by attorney Mustapha Kaigama, presented compelling documentary evidence and witness testimonies that effectively linked the misappropriated funds to the tractors and tricycles discovered in a warehouse located on Fate Road, Ilorin.

Justice Saleeman rejected a motion from Oyin-Zubair’s legal representatives aimed at overturning the interim forfeiture decision. She asserted that the defense failed to offer reasonable grounds to justify the ownership of the assets and confirmed that the EFCC had successfully demonstrated that the items were indeed proceeds of unlawful conduct.

The court awarded the final forfeiture of the assets to SEAP, as its funds were wrongfully diverted. The total estimated value of the forfeited assets is approximately 57.4 million Naira.

The EFCC has reiterated its dedication to safeguarding public funds from misuse, asserting that no individual, irrespective of their political affiliations, will be exempt from facing legal consequences.

The Federal Government has requested that the Federal High Court in Abuja dismiss the no-case submission made by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), asserting that he must face charges of terrorism.

During the proceedings on Friday, government attorney Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) argued that Kanu had made provocative statements during a broadcast on Radio Biafra, where he reportedly called for the disintegration of Nigeria and the establishment of a separate Biafra nation.

Awomolo presented his case before Justice James Omotosho, asserting that Kanu’s remarks were not just expressions of opinion but posed a substantial threat to national security and intended to instill fear among the public. He stated, “The defendant made a broadcast in which he openly claimed the title of IPOB leader, despite knowing that the group had been banned. He boasted that the world would halt.”

He further accused Kanu of inciting violence against law enforcement, referencing the deaths of over 170 security personnel following Kanu’s broadcasts. “Nigerian law criminalizes inciting statements that could cause citizens to live in ongoing fear. The threat to dismantle Nigeria was serious, aimed at establishing Biafra, and such remarks carry consequences,” he added.

The prosecution argued that the case against Kanu, which includes a seven-count terrorism charge, should not be dismissed as there is ample evidence warranting a defence from him.

Conversely, Kanu’s lead attorney, Kanu Agabi (SAN), argued that the prosecution had not built a credible case. He highlighted that none of the five witnesses, all members of the Department of State Services (DSS), claimed that they felt incited to violent action by Kanu’s statements.

Agabi criticized the investigation, noting that no thorough inquiry was conducted into the contentious remarks, nor was any formal evidence submitted for consideration. He remarked that despite eight amendments to the charges, no witness had come forward to say they were incited to violence by Kanu’s words.

Agabi said, “Encouraging Nigerians to defend themselves is a constitutional right, echoed by prominent figures, including retired General T.Y. Danjuma.” He also brought attention to Kanu’s extended time in solitary confinement, arguing that international law prohibits such conditions for more than 15 days. He urged the court to acquit his client, claiming that no prima facie case had been established.

Justice Omotosho has adjourned the case until October 10, when a decision on the no-case submission will be announced.