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 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.

In a ruling issued on Monday, the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos sentenced Ndukwe Ogbu, a 45-year-old pastor, to 25 years in prison for the rape of his 14-year-old daughter.

Ogbu faced charges of sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration, with his arraignment taking place in February 2021. The trial began in October of that same year.

During her testimony, the victim recounted the harrowing experience, stating that her father would enter her room naked, strip her of her clothing, and force himself upon her. She revealed that he assaulted her on multiple occasions and threatened her to ensure she remained silent about the abuse.

The girl ultimately confided in a teacher at her school, who contacted a social worker named Femi Oyeleke. Oyeleke then reported the matter to the police. He was present in court as a witness, along with a doctor who had conducted an examination of the victim.

Ogbu denied the charges, claiming he was not present for the incidents and asserting that the victim had memory problems. However, Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe found his testimony unpersuasive and instead based her judgment on the accounts provided by the victim, Oyeleke, and the examining doctor.

In delivering the verdict, Justice Abike-Fadipe remarked on the pastor’s lack of remorse and his refusal to apologize for his actions. She sentenced him to three years for the first count and 25 years for each of the subsequent counts. The total sentence of 25 years will run concurrently, with the time served backdated to December 2019, when Ogbu was initially remanded in custody.