Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini, commonly referred to as “Anini”, was a notorious Nigerian armed robber who operated in the Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States) in the 1980s. Anini and his gang were responsible for a string of high-profile robberies, including bank robberies and attacks on police stations and prisons.
Anini’s criminal career reached its peak in 1986 when he and his gang went on a crime spree that lasted for several months. During this time, they carried out a series of brazen robberies and attacks on law enforcement agencies, resulting in the deaths of several police officers.
Anini and his gang were eventually apprehended in December 1986, following a massive manhunt by the Nigerian police. Anini was captured in Lagos, while other members of his gang were captured in different parts of the country.
Anini’s trial was highly publicized and attracted widespread media attention. He was eventually convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Before his execution, Anini made a series of confessions and revelations about his criminal activities, including implicating some members of the Nigerian police force in his crimes.
The Anini saga was a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against crime and corruption. It highlighted the need for a stronger justice system and better law enforcement in the country. The Anini case also led to significant reforms in the Nigerian police force, including the establishment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which was initially created to combat armed robbery and other violent crimes. However, SARS later became notorious for its own human rights abuses and was disbanded in 2020 following nationwide protests.
