In Benin City, the present-day capital of Edo State, in the 1980s, one name sent fear rippling through homes, businesses, and even police stations: Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini, better known as “The Law” or “Ovbigbo.” His story is one of crime, betrayal, and a reign of terror that exposed deep rot within the Nigerian police system.
Born in a village near Benin City in 1960, Anini moved into the city early, where he became a skilled taxi driver and a respected figure at motor parks. But behind the wheel, he found more than passengers; an entry into the criminal underworld. Soon, he formed his own gang, including men like Monday Osunbor, Friday Ofege, Henry Ekponwan, and the elusive Alhaji Zed Zed.
They started small (carjackings, bus robberies, bank hits), but by 1986, they evolved into a well-oiled killing machine.
Anini’s war with the Nigerian police was sparked by betrayal. In early 1986, two of his gang members were tried and jailed, despite an alleged agreement with some corrupt officers to destroy the evidence. Feeling double-crossed, Anini declared war.
Between August and October 1986, he and his men were responsible for the killing of nine police officers, fatal robberies in Sabongida-Ora, Benin, Agbor, and other towns, the assassination of civilians, journalists, doctors, and even royalty, and an ambush on the state’s Commissioner of Police, Casmir Akagbosu, on Independence Day.
In one infamous stunt, he threw stolen naira notes to cheering crowds, earning comparisons to Robin Hood, even as blood trailed his path.
So dangerous was Anini’s gang that General Ibrahim Babangida, Nigeria’s then-military ruler, asked publicly during a security council meeting in October 1986:
“My friend, where is Anini?”
The Inspector-General of Police, Etim Inyang, had no answer, and shortly after, he resigned in disgrace.
After four months of evading capture, Anini was arrested on December 3, 1986, by Superintendent of Police Kayode Uanreroro at a house in Benin City. Apparently found half-naked amidst six young women and off guard, he attempted a weak escape, but was shot in the leg, captured, and brought in.
With his charm belt removed, the once-fearless gang leader became a soft-spoken confessor, revealing how Chief Superintendent of Police George Iyamu provided arms, intel, and cover for the gang, often taking a cut from their loot.
Anini’s revelations led to the conviction of five police officers, including Iyamu, and exposed how deeply corruption had eroded Nigeria’s security apparatus.
Confined to a wheelchair after his leg was amputated, Anini was tried and sentenced to death by Justice James Omo-Agege (1933-2016), who remarked:
“Anini will forever be remembered in the history of crime in this country, but it would be of unblessed memory.”
“The Law,” as the notorious criminal was famously known, was executed by firing squad on March 29, 1987, along with other members of his gang.
