Lawrence Anini: End of Nigeria’s Most Feared Armed Robber
In the mid-1980s, Nigeria was terrorized by Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini, the country’s most notorious armed robber. Nicknamed “The Law,” Anini led a gang that carried out daring daylight bank robberies, attacked bullion vans, and assassinated police officers across the old Bendel State (now Edo and Delta).
Between 1984 and 1986, his gang struck with alarming frequency, often just days apart. Their ability to evade capture fueled speculation of high-level protection, suspicions later confirmed when DSP George Iyamu, a senior police officer, was exposed as a key accomplice. The scandal dealt a heavy blow to public trust in law enforcement.
President Ibrahim Babangida famously demanded at a cabinet meeting: “Where is Anini?” as the robber’s exploits embarrassed the government.
Anini’s reign ended on December 3, 1986, when he was arrested in Benin City after police, acting on a tip, stormed a girlfriend’s hideout. He was shot during the operation, leading to the amputation of his leg.
At his trial, Anini confessed to murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy, implicating several police officers. He and his associates were convicted and, on March 29, 1987, executed by firing squad.
His capture and execution marked the close of one of Nigeria’s darkest crime waves, exposing deep corruption in the police and forcing calls for reform.
