Shocking Confessions of A Notorious Robber, Shina ...

For years in the 90s, the mere mention of his name made commuters and vehicles scamper for safety. But today, the story has changed for former robbery kingpin – Shina Rambo, reports TOLUWANI ENIOLA

It was a book launch that turned a religious gathering where repentant notorious robber – Evangelist Mathew Oluwanifise (formerly Shina Rambo), relived his crime odyssey, calling criminals in the country to repent and seek the face of God.

Rambo, who spoke at the weekend, was dreaded for his sensational robbery attacks in Lagos and along the trans-border route. He had an encounter with Jesus Christ while serving years of imprisonment after his arrest and trial.

He was converted by Prophet Timothy Obadare-led World Soul-winning Evagelistic Ministries (WOSEM) of the Christ Apostolic Church.

Rambo’s testimony was at the launch of a collection of poems entitled, Sounds of Broken Chains, written by a journalist-cum-environmentalist- Mrs Betty Abah.

The event attracted a large audience, held spell-bound and roused to ecstasy as the robber-turned cleric shared his story.

Among the audience were renowned poet, Odia Ofeimun, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) , Prof Mrs Ebele Eko, a director with The News magazine, Mr Kunle Ajibade and Lekan Otufodunrin of The Nation. Naomi Mac, a musician, was on standby to thrill the audience with evergreen tunes.

Beginning his sermon with praise songs and leading the audience in a prayer session, Rambo described his conversion as ‘an act of God’, adding that it was the mercy of God that saved him.

According to him, he re-christened himself Oluwanifise after he had rededicated himself to God and evangelism.

Oluwanifise, who quoted copiously from II Corinthians 5:17, likened himself to Apostle Paul in the Bible. He said: “I was a great sinner and persecutor. But because I did it in ignorance and unbelief, God had mercy on me and saved me. If God can forgive me, he can also forgive you.

“I was a confirmed devil. I killed people without mercy. I used to carry over N25 million on every trip to lavish on women in Sheraton Hotel. I had people in authority who also reaped from the proceeds of my satanic operations. I had many incisions all over my body. I was involved in countless rituals for empowerment. But that Shina Rambo is now a new creature.

“I used 901 souls for rituals to ensure my safety during robbery. I don’t close my eyes before I kill people. I used 24 expectant mothers for rituals. Then I could identify the blood of women who were pregnant just by tasting it. I killed 24 men of God. I was so empowered satanically to the extent that nobody could take my photograph during robbery. If it wasn’t difficult for God to convert me, then no matter your case, you can experience a new beginning.

“Whatever you have without Jesus is vanity. The devil used me more than the capacity of my age but now, I am determined to do more for God now that he has saved me.

“I used to give the proceeds of my robberies to top people in authority. I worked with four Inspectors-General of Police (IGP). If God can save a criminal like me, then he can change your situation. So, do not lose hope. If God can convert Shina Rambo who was notorious for snatching exotic cars and who embarked on many deadly robberies which claimed many lives, then no problem is too big for him to solve.

“The only thing that saved me was God’s mercy. If you have not received mercy from God, go and ask for it because it is not by how many churches you have or how many years you have been a pastor.”

Oluwanifise said though he had lost all his ill-gotten wealth, children and wife, he was happy because “I have received my salvation, a more precious gift.”

His words: “I had so many cars, houses but where are they today? If you are in any bondage, there is hope for you. If it wasn’t difficult for God to help me, then God can rescue you from any problem. Look for his mercy and repent from your sins because all is vanity. There is nobody that God cannot save.”

Ofeimun described the book as an uncommon literary effort, saying inspirational poetry demands uncommon inspiration because of its spiritual connection.

He said: “We need to commend the patience of Betty Abah because to have come up with this, she must have sacrificed a lot. This type of poetry is not the type that you would just easily write. This is worthy of note because poetry provides an opportunity to connect with the sovereign God.

The book reviewer, Rev. Okey Ifionu, described the 102-page book as ‘a revival poem with evangelical undertone’.

Ifionu noted that the 46 poems in the collection portrayed the author’s faith in the sovereignty of God.

Mrs Abah urged the audience to learn from the story of Shina Rambo. The poems, she informed, were written to appreciate God and to encourage Nigerians to be hopeful.(The Nation)