“Pattern of Targeted Intimidation” — Sowore Reacts to Alleged Assassination Plot

Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has said that the alleged assassination plot disclosed by fellow activist Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ijele, reflects a wider pattern of intimidation against dissenting voices in Nigeria.

Sowore described the claim as “not an isolated incident,” but part of what he called a sustained effort to silence critics of injustice and oppression. He, however, insisted that such actions would not deter the push for change.

In a statement shared on X, he said, “The assassination plot against me, as revealed by Harrison Ofoegbu, also known as ‘@IjeleSpeaks2,’ is not an isolated incident.

“It is part of a consistent and deeply troubling pattern of targeted intimidation and violence aimed at silencing dissent and crushing voices that challenge injustice.”

He added that the development reinforces his long-held belief that there are deliberate attempts to threaten and possibly eliminate outspoken individuals, noting that such actions are “neither random nor accidental,” but carefully orchestrated.

Sowore also recalled his past encounters with Ofoegbu, including their first meeting at the Federal High Court in Abuja during the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, where initial tensions later gave way to cooperation.

He further alleged that Ofoegbu had previously faced arrest and prolonged detention under strict bail conditions, as well as plans to transfer him under circumstances he believed could have endangered his life.

Linking the claims to his own experiences, Sowore said he has survived multiple assassination attempts, including incidents involving security operatives. He also referenced the 2021 killing of his brother, Felix Olajide Sowore, which he described as controversial.

According to him, threats against his life date back to his days as a student activist at the University of Lagos in the 1990s, when he alleged that security forces targeted student leaders.

He maintained that such actions were aimed at silencing him but have failed.

“The recent revelations by @IjeleSpeaks2 should not be dismissed as mere outbursts.

“While he did not personally disclose to me the specifics of any plot, I have long been aware of repeated attempts on my life… But it is too late. The struggle for total liberation is already in motion. Nothing can stop it,” he said.