Notorious Armed Robber Turned Evangelist Explains Why He Always Pray Before Going for Robbery
Temitope Kolawole, a former armed robber turned evangelist, shared his life story, detailing his descent into crime, his reliance on prayer, and his eventual repentance. From a young age, Kolawole engaged in theft, reportedly starting at just seven years old. By 17, he faced his first arrest in 1986, which led him through various juvenile correctional facilities. Instead of reforming him, Kolawole stated that his prison experiences hardened him, especially after learning to use firearms while incarcerated. This led him to a life of serious crime as a full-time armed robber starting in 1990.
During his criminal career, Kolawole carried out robberies in gangs, often targeting churches and homes in Lagos and neighboring areas. He differentiated himself from his peers by rejecting charms for protection, opting instead to pray before operations. He explained that previous attempts by his parents to use charms had failed, and thus he found solace in prayer, believing it would keep him safe during his criminal activities.
Kolawole’s criminal behavior resulted in numerous arrests; he spent more than 25 years in prison across twelve different incarcerations. In his accounts, he described the harsh conditions of Nigerian prisons, highlighting the disparities faced by inmates based on their wealth. He remarked that the system does not correct behavior but rather fosters more criminal tendencies.
His life took a transformative turn in 2021 when, during his final arrest for attempting to rob a church, he encountered a paper with a message that spoke to him profoundly. Moved to tears, he abandoned his plans for the robbery and reached out to the individual behind the message. This encounter became a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of his genuine repentance. On September 6, 2021, Kolawole decided to leave his life of crime behind, claiming that since then, he has not stolen anything.
Following his release, he fully embraced Christianity and began sharing his story and preaching about the importance of rehabilitation and second chances. While he doesn’t hold an official church position, he actively engages in spreading positive messages to others, including current inmates. Kolawole insists that his conversion is sincere and challenges anyone to prove otherwise.
Despite his efforts to reintegrate into society, he faces significant challenges, particularly the stigma associated with being an ex-convict. This has made finding stable employment extremely difficult, forcing him to take up menial jobs, such as washing clothes and fetching water, to support himself and his young son. Kolawole reflects on his past with gratitude for having survived when many of his peers did not, emphasizing the divine mercy he believes contributed to his story.
He advocates for society to place greater emphasis on rehabilitation and providing second chances for former offenders, arguing that with the right support, change is indeed possible outside crime. Kolawole’s journey from a life of crime to one of faith underscores the potential for redemption and transformation.
