Crime

How We Arrested Daredevil Armed Robbers Oyenusi, Mighty Joe in The 70s – Itoto Ogodo

Published

16 hours ago

Dec 25, 2024.

Femi Fabunmi

Two Notorious Armed Robbers Terrorizing Southern Part of Nigeria

How they were caught eventually by Nigerian police

Retired Police officer Joseph Ododo Gave an insight into How They Were Arrested

Dr Oyenusi and Mighty Joe were two notorious armed robbers who terrorized the southern part of Nigeria in the 1970s.

These two daredevil figures were feared by all and Sundry.

In a recent interview captured on Thisday Newspaper, retired Police Inspector Joseph Itoto Ogodo, who turns 88, shared his experiences in the Nigeria Police Force, particularly his involvement in the arrest of the two infamous criminals, Oyenusi and Mighty Joe, in the 1970s

Early Life and Career

Ogodo was born in 1934 in Sapele, Delta State. After completing his education, he worked briefly in various jobs before joining the Nigeria Police Force in 1959. He was posted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Lagos, where he played a critical role in fighting crime during Nigeria’s capital boom.

The Arrest of Ishola Oyenusi

Oyenusi, a notorious armed robber, came under investigation after a robbery involving £10,000 and the murder of a young police constable in Lagos.

A special anti-robbery squad (SARS) was created, with Ogodo as part of the 10-member investigative team.

The squad arrested Oyenusi’s accomplices and tracked him down to Ibadan, where he was apprehended in May 1971 after a dramatic chase.

During interrogation, Oyenusi confessed to multiple robberies and implicated others, leading to their eventual trial and execution by firing squad.

The Arrest of Mighty Joe

Mighty Joe, another feared criminal known for robberies and assaults, was arrested after a bar owner reported his violent and extortionate behavior.

He was tried and sentenced to death for his crimes, including the murder of a Lebanese businessman.

Mighty Joe’s execution, like Oyenusi’s, was a public spectacle at Bar Beach, Lagos.

They were both executed in the full glare of thousands of people who besieged the Lagos Bar Beach to witness the execution of terrorist like armed robbers who reigned over a period of time.

Reflections and Legacy

Ogodo emphasizes the importance of living an exemplary life and recounts his honest service despite systemic corruption. His team received a commendation letter and monetary reward for their efforts in apprehending the criminals.

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