Gist Arena

Life and Death of Nigeria’s Most Notorious Armed Robber Read the story of Nigeria’s most notorious armed robber in the 80s who was dreaded by the police as he was said to have killed and robbed massively at will, thereby becoming a national threat. Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini, was one of Nigeria’s most notorious armed robbers who held sway in the old Bendel State (Now Edo and Delta States). His reign in the 80s was so bloody that he was even discussed at the State Security Council meeting. Anini was executed on March 29, 1987, after his conviction by a Benin High Court for armed robbery. Anini was born in 1960 in a village about 20 miles from Benin City, present day Edo State. Dreadfully called ‘The Law’ or ‘Ovbigbo’, he migrated to Benin at an early age, learned to drive and became a skilled taxi driver. He became known in Benin motor parks as a man who could control the varied competing interests among motor park touts and operators. He later delved int...