Armed robbery has been a longstanding issue in Nigeria, with notorious individuals often making headlines for their audacious and sometimes deadly criminal activities. Over the years, the nation has witnessed the rise of several notorious armed robbers whose exploits have left a lasting mark on the country’s history. These individuals have struck fear into the hearts of citizens and authorities alike, with their brazen attacks and ability to evade capture for extended periods. From the infamous Anini gang to the legendary Shina Rambo, the annals of Nigerian crime are replete with stories of these notorious figures.
Most Notorious Armed Robbers in the History of Nigeria
Let us delve into the lives and crimes of the 10 most notorious armed robbers in the history of Nigeria, examining the impact they had on society and the measures taken by law enforcement to bring them to justice.
1. Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini, aka “The Law” or “Ovbigbo”
Born in 1960, Anini hailed from a village near Benin City in Nigeria’s Edo State. He began his criminal career as a driver and transporter for various gangs and criminal godfathers, eventually becoming one of Nigeria’s most notorious armed robbers. Dubbed “The Law” or “Ovbigbo,” Anini was known for his ability to manage the complex and often conflicting interests among his gang members, as well as his penchant for eluding law enforcement. His reign of terror in the 1980s, particularly in the old Bendel State, was marked by a series of daring heists, murders, and kidnappings, which ultimately led to his downfall in December 1986.
2. Ishola Oyenusi, aka “Doctor”
Oyenusi, born in the early 1940s, was a notorious robber who held the western part of Nigeria in a vice-like grip throughout the 1970s. Known for his ruthless tactics and supernatural powers, Oyenusi was a formidable force in the criminal underworld, leading a gang that was responsible for numerous bank robberies, car snatchings, and murder. His criminal exploits came to an end in 1971 when he was captured and executed by firing squad.
3. Shina Rambo
“Shina Rambo”, a Nigerian criminal who gained notoriety in the 1990s for his involvement in various criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime. His real name is Oluwasegun Akindele. He was known for his audacious style and flamboyant lifestyle, often flaunting his ill-gotten wealth.
Shina Rambo operated primarily in the southwestern region of Nigeria and was believed to be the leader of a notorious criminal gang. His criminal exploits and ability to evade law enforcement for a considerable period made him a subject of fascination and fear among Nigerians.
In recent years, there have been reports of his repentance and conversion to Christianity, with claims that he has turned away from his criminal past and now preaches the gospel. However, the extent to which he has truly reformed remains a subject of skepticism and debate.
Overall, Shina Rambo’s criminal activities and subsequent transformation (if genuine) serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding crime, redemption, and rehabilitation in Nigerian society.
4. Derico Okwudili Ndiwe, aka “Derico Nwamama”
Derico Ndiwe, also known as Derico Nwamama, was one of the most notorious armed robbers in the history of Nigeria in the early 2000s. He was responsible for numerous heists and murders, particularly in the South Eastern part of the country. Derico Ndiwe was eventually killed in a gun battle with the police in 2001, marking the end of his criminal career.
5. Abiodun Egunjobi, aka “Godogodo”
Godogodo, born in the late 1970s, was a notorious armed robber and ex-convict who constituted a major security threat in Lagos and other South Western states for many years. He was known for his daring heists and ability to evade law enforcement, earning him the nickname “Godogodo”. His criminal exploits came to an end in 2013 when he was arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Lagos State Police Command.
6. Henry Ekponwan
Henry Ekponwan was a member of Lawrence Anini’s gang, which was notorious for their daring heists and murders in the 1980s, particularly in the old Bendel State. He was part of a group that included Monday Osunbor, Friday Ofege, Smallie, Eweka, and Alhaji Zed Zed, who were all involved in the gang’s criminal activities. Henry Ekponwan was eventually arrested and sentenced to death for his role in the gang’s criminal activities.
The gang’s criminal exploits were marked by a series of daring heists, murders, and kidnappings, which ultimately led to their downfall in December 1986 when Anini was caught at a house in Benin City. Henry Ekponwan’s arrest and sentencing to death were part of the wider crackdown on the gang’s activities, which aimed to bring an end to their reign of terror in the region.
7. Monday Osunbor
8. Friday Ofege
Friday Ofege was a member of Lawrence Anini’s gang, which was notorious for their daring heists and murders in the 1980s, particularly in the old Bendel State. He was part of a group that included Monday Osunbor, Henry Ekponwan, Eweka, and Alhaji zed zed or Zegezege, who were all involved in the gang’s criminal activities. Friday Ofege was known for his role in the gang’s criminal exploits, which included a series of daring heists, murders, and kidnappings.
Although there is no specific information available about Friday Ofege’s individual exploits, his association with Lawrence Anini’s gang and his role in their criminal activities have left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s criminal history. His involvement in the gang’s criminal activities highlights the extent of the gang’s reach and the level of terror they inflicted on the region during their reign of terror in the 1980s.
9. Phillip Iwebelue
Phillip Iwebelue was a member of Lawrence Anini’s gang, which was notorious for their daring heists and murders in the 1980s, particularly in the old Bendel State. He was part of a group that included Monday Osunbor, Friday Ofege, Henry Ekponwan, Eweka, and Alhaji zed zed or Zegezege, who were all involved in the gang’s criminal activities. Phillip Iwebelue was known for his role in the gang’s criminal exploits, which included a series of daring heists, murders, and kidnappings.
Although there is no specific information available about Phillip Iwebelue’s individual exploits, his association with Lawrence Anini’s gang and his role in their criminal activities have left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s criminal history. His involvement in the gang’s criminal activities highlights the extent of the gang’s reach and the level of terror they inflicted on the region during their reign of terror in the 1980s.
10. Prince Kingsley Eweka
Prince Kingsley Eweka was a member of Lawrence Anini’s gang, which was notorious for their daring heists and murders in the 1980s, particularly in the old Bendel State. He was part of a group that included Monday Osunbor, Friday Ofege, Henry Ekponwan, and Alhaji zed zed or Zegezege, who were all involved in the gang’s criminal activities. Prince Kingsley Eweka was known for his role in the gang’s criminal exploits, which included a series of daring heists, murders, and kidnappings.
Although there is no specific information available about Prince Kingsley Eweka’s individual exploits, his association with Lawrence Anini’s gang and his role in their criminal activities have left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s criminal history. His involvement in the gang’s criminal activities highlights the extent of the gang’s reach and the level of terror they inflicted on the region during their reign of terror in the 1980s.
It is worth noting that Prince Kingsley Eweka’s execution is seen as taboo, which suggests that his involvement in the gang’s criminal activities and his subsequent punishment have had a significant impact on Nigerian society. His name is still remembered in connection with the notorious Anini gang, and his criminal exploits continue to be a topic of conversation and interest among Nigerians.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the history of armed robbery in Nigeria is punctuated by the exploits of infamous individuals who have terrorized communities and challenged law enforcement agencies. The 10 most notorious armed robbers in the History of Nigeria discussed in this essay represent a snapshot of the country’s tumultuous relationship with crime and security. While some of these individuals have met their demise at the hands of justice, others have evaded capture and continue to operate with impunity. The stories of these notorious figures serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Nigerian society in combating organized crime and ensuring the safety of its citizens. As the nation continues its efforts to address the root causes of criminality and strengthen law enforcement capabilities, it is essential to remember the lessons learned from the past and remain vigilant in the face of evolving threats. Only through collective action and unwavering determination can Nigeria hope to overcome the scourge of armed robbery and build a safer, more prosperous future for all its citizens.
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