Wasiu Akinwande, a man believed to be a professional hitman, has been dragged before the Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos State on multiple charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit felony, and unlawful possession of firearms. The arraignment, which took place earlier today, August 5, 2025, has sparked fresh debates around organized crime and targeted killings in Lagos.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that Akinwande was arrested following a covert operation that traced him to his hideout after an intelligence-led manhunt. He is accused of carrying out a recent targeted killing in the state that left a prominent businessman dead under mysterious circumstances. According to investigators, his arrest may help uncover a broader criminal network behind a string of unsolved killings in Lagos.
At the courtroom, the prosecution outlined the gravity of the charges: one count of first-degree murder, two counts of conspiracy, three counts of illegal arms possession, and five additional charges bordering on criminal intimidation, unlawful association, and intent to cause public unrest. The police noted that recovered items included a locally made pistol, live ammunition, and a list of potential targets.
Court documents obtained by reporters show that Akinwande was allegedly hired for a fee exceeding ₦2 million, part of which had already been paid before the execution of the alleged crime. Prosecutors are pushing for the case to be transferred to a High Court due to the capital nature of the offenses.
Magistrate A.O. Adebayo ordered that the suspect be remanded in police custody pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The case was adjourned till August 20 for mention. Meanwhile, police sources hinted that additional arrests may follow as investigations intensify.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, assured the public that the command remains committed to flushing out criminal gangs operating in the state. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to share useful intelligence with the authorities.
Akinwande’s arrest comes at a time when Lagos has seen a surge in assassination-related incidents, particularly in business and political circles. Civil society organizations have begun calling for urgent reforms and investment in community policing to curb the growing threat.
