ARRAIGNMENT OF ALLEGED GANG LEADER “OLORI ESO” STALLED OVER ERRORS IN CHARGE SHEET
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The scheduled arraignment of an alleged notorious gang leader and hired killer, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, and two others was on Wednesday stalled at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.
Akinwande, aged 44, is facing a five-count charge of alleged murder and related offences alongside Qudus Egbere and Sola Edun (Tomiwa) before Justice Oyindamola Ogala.
When the case was called, all defendants were present in court. However, Justice Ogala noted that it was the first time Olori Eso was appearing before the court, as his absence had previously stalled the arraignment on two occasions. The judge said the court had earlier been informed that the defendant’s whereabouts were unknown.
It was also discovered that the third defendant’s name was incorrectly listed as “Wasiu Oluye-Oso” on the charge sheet. Upon inquiry, the defendant clarified that his real name is Wasiu Akinwande, and that “Olori Eso” is his alias.
When asked to proceed, prosecuting counsel O. Azeez informed the court that the State was ready for arraignment. However, counsel for Olori Eso, M. Okandeji, requested an adjournment, stating that he had not been served the charge sheet and was appearing in the matter for the first time.
Although the prosecutor offered him an extra copy of the charge, defence counsel for the first defendant, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, urged the court to adjourn to allow the prosecution to correct the spelling errors and other discrepancies in the document.
Justice Ogala agreed with Ajanaku’s submission and consequently adjourned the arraignment. She permitted the second defendant, Sola Edun, who is currently on bail, to return home on the condition that his mother, who stood surety, and his counsel, I.C. Val, ensure his presence at the next court sitting.
The other defendants were ordered to be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility, Kirikiri, pending their next appearance.
The case was adjourned till November 10, 2025, by 12 noon for further proceedings.
According to the charge, Egbere, Akinwande, and others still at large allegedly murdered two persons, Bolanle Yusuf and Yusuf Ramadan, on or about July 31, 2024, around 11 a.m., at Mashalasi Street, Mushin, Lagos.
The offences contravene Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, while the defendants are also accused of conspiracy to commit murder, contrary to Section 233 of the same law.
Additionally, Egbere and Edun are charged with belonging to an unlawful society, contrary to Section 2(3)(a) of the Unlawful Societies and Cultism (Prohibition) Law of Lagos State, 2021.
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