Although Crime and insecurity are predominant in Nigeria’s society today, they didn’t begin today. Over the years, there have been several infamous bandits who have created terror in the hearts of Nigerians. These crime syndicates robbed, raped, and killed many Nigerians. In the ’90s, criminals like Shina Rambo, Doctor Ishola Oyenusi, Derico Nwamama, Mighty Joe, Anini, etc., terrorised the people and killed many police officers. Our focus would be on Lawrence Anini, an infamous armed robber in Bendel State (current Edo and Delta State).
We would discuss the following;
- Who is Anini?
- Lawrence Anini Story
- Death and Execution of Lawrence Anini
Let’s begin;
Who is Lawrence Anini?
Lawrence Anini was a notorious car snatcher, armed robber, and murderer. Although this infamous bandit lived only for 27 years, he was the perpetrator of numerous crimes in the then Bendel State Due to his criminal activities, he was dreaded amongst indigene and declared wanted by the Nigerian Government.
Lawrence Anini is also known as The law or Ovbigbo, was born in 1960 and died in 1987. He was said to have been born near Benin city, somewhere in the present Edo state. This young man acquired basic driving skills during his early years, and he migrated from his village to Benin City to become a taxi driver. After years of driving taxi cabs at the Benin motor park, he became the centre of power governing the park – touts and operators included.
Gradually, he switched careers. From cab driver, he migrated to being a chauffeur for mobs and underground powers. Due to his skills, he decided to organise his team of bandits. This Lawrence Aninu formed group became famous for robbing busses and banks and hijacking cars. During these criminal acts, they took the lives of victims, police officers, and any form of obstruction.
Lawrence Anini Story
The Police primarily influenced Lawrence Anini reign. Corrupt members of the Nigerian police force collaborated with Anini and his gang members. His gang members comprised Monday Osunbor -the second in command and hitman, Smallie, Friday Ofege, Alhaji Zed Zed, Eweka and Henry Ekponwa. Although Anini’s group were in partnership with certain police officers, the police played a fast one on them.
According to the report of the Nigerian tribune in 1986, Anini asked George Iyamu – the Police Chief superintendent- why he did not release his friends after he bribed him with the N50,000 demanded. Iyamu dispatched Lawrence Anini with the threat that he would shoot him on sight. Due to this encounter, Lawrence Anini became spiteful and decided to take revenge against the police. Later in August of the same year, a police officer and some victims were killed during a bank robbery linked to Anini. Still, in August, Anini shot two officers who tried to stop his car at a police barricade. Within three months, Anini killed a total of nine police officers.
August 1986 was a period of multiple armed robbery attacks by Anini. The hardened criminal left Bendel to Sabongida-Ora to effect a bank robbery. Although he stole only N2000, he took many lives at the crime scene.
Following that, Iyamu connived with Anini to attack Christopher Omeben, alias Baba, the then Assistant Inspector General of Police. However, Anini and his gang were only able to hijack the car, and in the process, they killed the driver, known as Albert Otoe. Three months after this incident, the driver’s corpse was found along the Benin-Agbor Highway. A day after the Assistant IGP attack, Anini also stole another Peugeot 504 close to the then FEDECO office in Benin.
In September, the murder of Remi Sobanjo and Frank Unoarumi were linked to Lawrence Anini. The former was a chartered accountant, while the latter worked with the Nigerian Observer Newspaper. The infamous killer also stole a Mercedes-Benz in Benin. In addition, his gang also killed police officers in the Orhiowon Local Government area. In the same month, he attacked a gas station, fired the attendant, and absconded with the day’s sales.
He continued his movement on Independence, October 1st 1986, where he assaulted the Commissioner of Police, Casimir Igbokwe. Although the Commissioner received several bullet injuries, he survived. Before this event, Anini has already killed a policeman in the state. His killings and attacks did not end here. In that same month, he robbed the African Continental Bank of N46,000. Sequel to that, he also murdered A.O Emojeve, a medical doctor in Benin city.
Between August and December of 1986, Lawrence Anini and his gang of bandits caused devastation, destruction, and deaths in the land of Bendel. This criminal took on a heroic outlaw position as he stole and shared the loot on the streets, roads, and markets. He also wrote political letters to media houses describing his activities as achievements. Many newspapers headlines told him as “Robin hood in Benin”.
His activities got to the head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, who declared a search on Anini. Following this declaration, Police officers searched and ransacked the whole of Old Bendel State. Sadly, their search failed. Due to the police failure, many indigenes believed the legendary thief had powers that made him invisible. Lawrence Anini was an expert driver, clever thief, and powerful man. His muscles were assumed to be gotten from traditional charms. With his magic, he could disappear into thin air and transform into a kid.
Death and Execution of Lawrence Anini
Lawrence Anini was caught by Kayode Uanreroro, a Police Superintendent. Kayode Uanreroro led a team of 10 who caught and arrested Anini. Anini was found enjoying a good time amidst six women, at No.26 Oyemwosa street, opposite Iguodala primary school, Benin city. On sighting the police, Anini tried to escape by cornering a police officer, albeit unlucky. The superintendent, however, shot his ankle, and other police officers followed, hitting him. After his arrest, his leg was amputated due to the six rounds of bullet pumped into it.
When he was arrested, he confessed to many crimes and atrocities committed. He revealed that Monday Osunbor, his right-hand man, shot and wounded Akogbosu, the former police boss. He also disclosed how key police officers aided armed robbery in Bendel state. Much emphasis was placed on Iyamu, a high ranked policeman. Iyamu to run a gang of robbers and also gave supports, strategy, and hints to Anini.
Lawrence Anini, George Iyamu, and other crime perpetrators were acquitted and trialled. Although George Iyamu claimed innocent to all allegations, he was declared guilty by the trial judge. The trial Judge was Justice James OmoAgege, who sentenced Anini and Iyamu to death by firing squad. Five policemen and other robbery criminals were declared convicts. On March 29, 1987, Lawrence Anini was executed. The Legendary Armed robber lived for approximately 26years.
The End
Lawrence Anini is survived by Osaro Lawrence Lawson and Osayi Lawrence Lawson. Anini was a man who shook Old Bendel State for four months. His crimes were carried out in broad daylight. Sadly, he lived for only 26 years. His terrors were cut short by his arrest and execution. All-in-all, Lawrence Anini is a man who has an unblessed memory and can never be forgotten in the history of crime in Nigeria.