Edegbe Ese

political analyst,
Hospitality management
and CEO Swillfarm

[H i s t o r y V i l l e @HistoryVille]

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. He was about 27 years old. #HistoryVille #CrimeStories

[LAMYN 🍓🇧🇪 @blaugranab30701]

Neymar et Ronaldinho, lorsqu'ils ont joué ensemble contre l'Argentine de Lionel Messi... 😭🇧🇷

[The Benin Blogger @TheBeninBlogger]

“I don’t believe b@ndits deserve a second chance because, they are t£rrorists. They are people who have k+lled innocent citizens. Certainly, they have no right to live, they must be eliminated”

— Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani

[The Benin Blogger @TheBeninBlogger]

“The president is de@f. His cabinet are de@f as well. The only things he has achieved since he came to power is backwardness and hunger. Any country that has our kind of president can never move forward.”

- Adviser Nowamagbe releases a 17-minute track dedicated to Tinubu’s government.

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

Zanas Deck (Lagos Mainland) of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) recently carried out an environmental advocacy project aimed at promoting a cleaner and healthier community.

The initiative which held at Oyadiran Estate in the Makoko area of Lagos, provided an opportunity for members of the association to engage residents on the importance of maintaining a clean environment and adopting proper waste disposal practices.

In addition to the community sensitization exercise, members of the association distributed cleaning materials to residents to support and encourage effective waste management, including the proper collection and bagging of refuse.

#ForHumanisticIdeals
#NASPC1952

[Harmless Damian @Harmless480]

A major flood control drainage project is taking shape along Sapele Road, off the Benin Bypass in Benin City. Another critical infrastructure investment aimed at tackling flooding, protecting communities, and improving road connectivity under Gov.@m_akpakomiza administration.

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

WHY NIGERIANS SHOULD EMBRACE VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION EXPERT, NAS

"Health experts and the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) have intensified calls for Nigerians to embrace voluntary blood donation as a civic responsibility capable of saving lives, strengthening healthcare delivery, and improving emergency response across the country".

"The appeal was made during the association’s biannual blood donation campaign organised by the NAS Lagos Mainland branch, known as Zanas Deck, at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos"
https://t.co/lg3m1z3Ouc

[YabaLeftOnline @yabaleftonline]

“I was in N4Million debt that’s why I faked my K!dnap”

— Married woman who faked her own kidnap cries out to Edo state Governor.

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

National Association of Seadogs, Sahara Deck (Abuja) has donated speed limit signage to help create awareness and reduce over speeding by motorists plying Airport Road by ICS/Idu junction in Abuja.

The materials were received by the Chief Route Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (@FRSCNigeria), Mr Godwin Igbabo.

Second Mate of NAS - Sahara Deck, Mr Aloy Atsenokhai described the gesture as part of NAS's social responsibility interventions.

#NASPC1952

[E go be ✌🏿 @josteez_]

“We’re not social media people, but if you think we’re joking, dare us” - Comrade Osakpanmwan Eriyo A.k.A ÑÕMÕLĒSS respond to Asari Dokubo battleground speech.

[The Benin Blogger @TheBeninBlogger]

NANS President Exposes Fr@ud In President Tinubu's NELFUND loan disbursements, Finger Dr. Rauf Adegoke, Rector of D.S. Adegbenro Polytechnic Itori.
https://t.co/bq4w88h2fP

[Beeg wumpus @BeegFavour]

Every man need to watch this video 😳
Fear women 247 😱

[The Benin Blogger @TheBeninBlogger]

“President Tinubu can't wait for NASS any longer.”

- Akpabio transmits bill on State Police

[YabaLeftOnline @yabaleftonline]

"There is a problem in Igbo land" — Actress Georgina Onuoha calls out domestic v!0lence and child ab*** among her tribesmen and women.

[Izzy Ogbeide @izzy_ogbeide]

WARNING SENSITIVE⛔️ ⚠️ Preek And Toto Dey Fly For This Video, Use You Earphones Or Reduce Your Volume.

[Tox On Wrestling 🇳🇬 ⚡ @toxonwrestling]

🇳🇬 ❤️ From meeting Oba Femi's Family
✅ To LA Knight winning
🥇To witnessing my very first Title handover Live.

These are my top 5 biggest Moments from an Incredible Monday Night raw last night ✅

#wwe #prowrestling

[Zaddy of Benin @zaddyofbenin]

Escape the noise. Find your vibe. 🍃✨

Good food, chilled drinks, great music, and the perfect atmosphere await you at Abstract Backyard.

📍33 Aiguobasimwin Crescent, GRA, Benin City.

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

National Association of Seadogs - Saratoga X Deck (Festac, Apapa, Ejigbo Lagos), in partnership with the Lagos State Command of the Federal Fire Service, has carried out a fire safety sensitisation campaign, and called on Nigerians to be more conscious of the triggers of fire incidents, whilst taking preventive measures to avert outbreaks.

Highlights of the campaign which took place at the Mile 2 Estate in Amuwo Odofin Local Council Area were a simulated fire outbreak containment drill by personnel of the Festac Fire Station Command, and the presentation of firefighting equipment to the community by NAS - Saratoga X Deck.

#ForHumanisticIdeals
#NASPC1952

[Natl Association of Seadogs @NASPC1952]

National Association of Seadogs, Xkravos Deck (Warri), organises awareness campaign on Fire Outbreaks, highlights effects of substance abuse
https://t.co/Og7It7HWMq

[Football Tweet ⚽ @Footballtweet]

Patrick Vieira and that Vicks VapoRub stained shirt.

🔥 𝗜𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖

🗣️ Thierry Henry: "Patrick was the leader. When he spoke, everyone listened."

🗣️ Arsène Wenger: "Vieira was the complete midfielder. He could defend, attack, inspire and dominate."

🗣️ Roy Keane: "Patrick was a great player. Powerful, athletic and technically gifted."

🗣️ Cesc Fàbregas: "When I arrived at Arsenal, Vieira looked like a giant. He could do everything."

🗣️ Dennis Bergkamp: "Patrick was the engine of the team. He drove us forward."

🗣️ Robert Pires: "He was our captain, our boss and our example."

🗣️ Rio Ferdinand: "Vieira had everything. Power, pace, technique and presence."

Happy 50th birthday to a Premier League legend. 🇫🇷