The name Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini remains synonymous with fear in Nigeria’s criminal history. Nicknamed “The Law”, he became the face of violent armed robbery in Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States) during the mid-1980s. His brief but destructive reign challenged the Nigerian Police, embarrassed the government, and ended only with his dramatic arrest and execution.
Background: Bendel State in the 1980s
In the mid-1980s, Bendel State was an oil-producing region suffering from the economic downturn of the Structural Adjustment Programme. Unemployment was widespread, inflation was high, and crime rates were increasing.
The road networks connecting Benin City, Warri, and Asaba were vital commercial routes but poorly secured. The police, often underfunded, lacked modern vehicles and communication tools, making them vulnerable to heavily armed gangs. In this environment, Lawrence Anini found opportunity.
Early Life and Criminal Beginnings
Born in the early 1960s in Benin City, Anini grew up in modest circumstances. Before turning to crime, he worked as a taxi driver. This occupation gave him intimate knowledge of Bendel’s road networks, escape routes, and police checkpoints.
Anini’s entry into organised crime came through his association with Monday Osunbor, who later became his lieutenant. Together they began as transporters of stolen goods before progressing into armed robbery. Their knowledge of the region’s geography soon made them formidable.
The Rise of “The Law”
By 1986, Anini had formed a well-organised gang specialising in:
- Bank robberies
- Bullion van hijackings
- Highway ambushes targeting traders and travellers
Unlike many criminals of his time, Anini directly targeted law enforcement. Several policemen were killed in gun battles with his gang, and their weapons seized.
His notoriety grew so large that newspapers regularly featured his exploits, often exaggerating his abilities. Headlines screamed questions such as “Where is Anini?”, highlighting police failures.
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Government and Police Response
The Nigerian public quickly lost confidence in the police, who appeared unable to capture him. Matters came to a head when President Ibrahim Babangida summoned the Inspector-General of Police, Etim Inyang, demanding answers. Babangida then ordered Deputy Inspector General Parry Osayande, himself from Bendel State, to personally oversee the manhunt.
This political pressure transformed the pursuit of Anini into a matter of national importance.
The Capture of Lawrence Anini
On 3 December 1986, acting on a police tip-off, officers raided a hideout in Benin City. Anini was shot in the leg during the operation and captured alive. His arrest shocked the nation. Once paraded before the press, the man who had terrorised Bendel appeared frail and subdued, seated in a wheelchair.
His capture ended months of fear and restored public faith in the state’s ability to enforce law and order
Trial and Execution
Anini’s trial was swift. Testimonies from captured accomplices, particularly Monday Osunbor, revealed the structure of the gang and their series of violent crimes. The evidence against him was overwhelming.
He was convicted of armed robbery and multiple counts of murder. In line with Nigeria’s decree on armed robbery, the sentence was death by firing squad.
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On 29 March 1987, Anini was executed alongside his gang members at Lagos’ Bar Beach. The event was widely covered by the press, serving as both justice and deterrence.
Legacy and Lessons
Lawrence Anini’s case left a lasting mark on Nigeria:
- Policing reforms: The embarrassment forced improvements in police coordination and mobility.
- Public executions: His death reaffirmed the state’s use of capital punishment as deterrence.
- Crime and inequality: His story highlighted how poverty, unemployment, and corruption create fertile ground for violent crime.
Although some myths portray him as a folk figure, historical evidence shows him as a ruthless criminal whose reign of violence caused untold suffering. His story remains a cautionary tale about the consequences of weak institutions and the dangers of glorifying outlaws.
Author’s Note
The story of Lawrence Anini is not one of heroism but of tragedy. His crimes exposed both the fragility of Nigeria’s policing system and the dangers of unchecked inequality. His rise reminds us that criminals thrive where governance is weak, while his fall shows that violence ultimately leads to destruction. The true lesson is that only justice, accountability, and effective law enforcement can protect society from figures like Anini.
References
- Osayande, P. (2007). Policing Nigeria: Past, Present and Future. Spectrum Books.
- Alao, A. (1991). The Nigerian Police and Crime Control in Nigeria. IFRA-Nigeria.
- Daily Times of Nigeria (1986–1987). Contemporary reports on the Anini case.
