AKINLOLU FAWEHINMI HISTORICAL CORNER: KAYODE UANRERORO, THE MAN WHO ARRESTED ANINI

 

 Superintendent Kayode Uanreroro became renowned in the late 1980s for arresting the notorious armed robber, Lawrence Anini. At the time, Uanreroro was the commandant at the Mobile Police (MOPOL) training school in Gwoza, Borno State. It was under his leadership that the plan to capture Anini was set in motion, a task assigned to him by the then Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Gambo.

 On December 3, 1986, Uanreroro led a 10-man team to No. 26, Oyemwosa Street, opposite Iguodala Primary School, Benin City, acting on a tip-off. Anini, in the company of six women, was caught by surprise. Clad in only underpants, Anini opened the door to the police officer who promptly asked, "Where is Anini?" Attempting to outsmart Uanreroro, Anini claimed, “Oh, Anini is under the bed in the inner room,” while trying to walk past the officer. In response, Uanreroro swiftly reached for his gun, stepped on Anini's toes, and shot him in the ankle. Despite the pain, Anini surged forward but was subdued by the team.

 Once Anini was seated and immobilized, the officers asked again, "Are you Anini?" The infamous robber, now in great pain, confessed, “My brother, I won’t deceive you; I won’t tell you lie, I’m Anini.” With that, his reign of terror came to an end.

 After this successful mission, Kayode Uanreroro retired from the police force and transitioned to the role of Chief Security Officer at a major bank. He lived in Akoka, Lagos, where he was described as a giant of a man, a jovial and gentle figure, who seldom spoke about his time in the police. Later in life, he pursued a law degree and established a private law practice in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

 Kayode Uanreroro passed away on November 14, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as a hero.

 

Dr. Akinlolu Fawehinmi writes from Lagos, Nigeria