In 1986, one man brought Nigeria's Bendel State to its knees. Lawrence Anini — known as "The Law" — robbed banks in broad daylight, killed eleven police officers, ambushed a Police Commissioner, and evaded an entire nation for four terrifying months. But how?

In this episode of Principals & Principalities, host Ayomide Odubonojo-Kinoshi unpacks the true story of Nigeria's most notorious armed robber: a primary school dropout turned criminal kingpin, who built a Robin Hood myth on stolen naira — and had a police officer counting bullets for him from the inside.

From the motor parks of Benin City to a military tribunal, this is the story of corruption, juju, betrayal, and the systemic rot that made Anini possible.

This episode asks the question that defines this podcast: In Nigeria, is crime ever just crime?

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In 1971, a 26-year-old armed robber named Ishola Oyenusi terrorised Lagos with a gang known as the Dangerous Seven — robbing banks, killing a police officer, and escaping prison so many times that Nigerians believed he walked through walls. But was "The Doctor" truly supernatural, or did he have powerful humans “Principals” inside Nigeria's police and military?

In this premiere episode of Principals & Principalities — Nigeria's true crime podcast — host Ayomide Odubonojo-Kinoshi traces Oyenusi's rise from petty thief to public enemy number one, and investigates the systemic corruption that may have made him unstoppable. We also uncover the story of Joel Amamieye, the WAHUM factory personnel manager executed alongside Oyenusi — an innocent man who was sentenced to death alongside Oyenusi. 

Featuring an account from retired Police Inspector Joseph Ogodo, archive research, and testimony from Amamieye's son, this episode asks the question that defines this podcast: in Nigeria, is crime ever just crime?

Listen wherever you get your podcasts — and follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes research, upcoming cases, and episode drops.

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What really hides in Nigeria’s shadows?

From forgotten political assassinations and colonial-era injustices to ritual killings whispered about in hushed tones… from money rituals and spirit possession to ogbanje myths, occult societies, and accusations of witchcraft — this podcast dives into the stories that sit at the uneasy crossroads of crime, belief, and power.

Told in a gripping narrative style by the host Ayomide Odubonojo-Kinoshi , the show explores Nigeria’s past and present through true crime, history, folklore, and the supernatural. Each episode unravels one mystery, separating fact from myth while exposing how religion, gender, culture, and societal taboos shape the crimes we fear — and the ones that the system tries to bury.

This is where history meets horror. Where rumor meets research. Where Nigeria’s darkest and untold stories come into the light.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts — and follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes research, upcoming cases, and episode drops.

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Old trailer episode