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Top 10 Most Notorious Armed Robbers In Nigeria's History
Armed robbery has long been a significant problem in Nigeria, with some criminals becoming infamous for their audacious and violent heists. From the 1970s to recent times, the country has witnessed a range of criminal masterminds whose exploits terrorized citizens and left a lasting mark on Nigerian history. Here are the top 10 most notorious armed robbers in Nigeria:
1. Ishola Oyenusi (The Doctor)
Known as Dr. Ishola Oyenusi, he was one of Nigeria's earliest and most notorious armed robbers. Active in the 1970s, Oyenusi was infamous for his brutal methods, which involved robbing and murdering his victims without hesitation. His daring robberies across Lagos were legendary, and his eventual capture in 1971 led to his execution by firing squad, witnessed by thousands of Nigerians.
2. Lawrence Anini (The Law)
Lawrence Anini remains one of the most feared criminals in Nigeria's history. Leading a gang of robbers in the mid-1980s, Anini and his gang terrorized Benin City and other parts of Nigeria, targeting banks, police stations, and killing police officers. His gang became so bold that they sent letters to the police, taunting them. Anini's reign of terror finally ended in 1987 when he was captured and executed.
3. Shina Rambo
Shina Rambo, a notorious armed robber of the 1990s, was feared for his ruthless operations in the South-West of Nigeria. He was known for targeting highways and banks, often leaving a trail of death and destruction. Shina Rambo's life took a twist when he reportedly turned to religion after surviving several assassination attempts, and he now claims to be a pastor.
4. Monday Osunbor
A member of Lawrence Anini's gang, Monday Osunbor was almost as feared as Anini himself. Osunbor's violent streak made him a key figure in Anini's gang, and he was directly involved in several high-profile robberies. Like Anini, Osunbor was also executed after being captured.
5. Okwudili Ndiwe (Derico Nwamama)
Derico Nwamama, one of the most feared armed robbers of the early 2000s, terrorized southeastern Nigeria, especially in Anambra State. His criminal career started as a petty thug, but he eventually led a gang that became a nightmare for traders and residents. Derico's end came at the hands of the Bakassi Boys, a local vigilante group, who captured and executed him in a highly publicized incident.
6. Isiaka Busari (Mighty Joe)
After the execution of Oyenusi, Mighty Joe, whose real name was Isiaka Busari, took over as one of Nigeria's most feared criminals. Mighty Joe's gang consisted of highly trained ex-soldiers, and their precision in carrying out robberies was remarkable. His reign as the head of Oyenusi's gang was short-lived, and he too was eventually captured and executed.
7. Abiodun Egunjobi (Godogodo)
For over a decade, Godogodo terrorized Lagos and its surrounding states, robbing banks, killing police officers, and evading capture. He was a skilled marksman and known for his ability to avoid arrest. Godogodo became a significant threat to security forces until his arrest in 2013. His capture was a significant victory for the Nigerian police at the time.
8. Terwase Akwaza (Gana)
Gana was a notorious militia leader in Benue State who carried out various criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and assassinations. Gana's reign of terror lasted for over a decade, and his death came in 2020 when he was killed by the Nigerian military after surrendering during an amnesty program.
9. Abubakar Shekau
Though primarily known as the leader of Boko Haram, a terrorist organization, Shekau's reign of terror included numerous acts of robbery and violence. Under his leadership, Boko Haram carried out raids, kidnappings, and violent robberies, particularly in northeastern Nigeria. His criminal activities extended beyond conventional armed robbery, involving acts of terrorism and insurgency. Shekau died in 2021 after detonating a suicide vest during a clash with rival militants.
10. Chukwudi Dumeme Onuamadike (Evans the Kidnapper)
Evans, also known as the "billionaire kidnapper," terrorized Nigeria for years through his high-profile kidnappings, often demanding ransoms in millions of dollars. Operating across Lagos, Edo, and Anambra States, Evans built a reputation as one of Nigeria's wealthiest criminals due to his illicit activities. After a lengthy manhunt, Evans was captured in 2017, and his arrest was widely celebrated as a significant blow to organized crime in Nigeria.
Conclusion
These notorious figures have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s criminal history, with their reigns of terror becoming cautionary tales of crime's consequences. Many of them met their end through execution or violent confrontations with the police and vigilante groups. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining law and order in society to prevent such criminal activities from taking root again.
