Prominent Nigerian rights advocate and social commentator, Comrade Israel Joe, has revealed how he narrowly avoided what he described as an attempted assassination in Delta State in the early hours of Sunday.
In a statement obtained by Chronicles Reporters on Sunday, Joe narrated the harrowing experience, stating that unknown gunmen in a C-300 Mercedes Benz trailed and ambushed his vehicle shortly after leaving a gathering with fellow activists in the Osubi area.
“I had just concluded a discussion with comrades at Osubi. As I drove off, I noticed a C-300 Benz tailing me at high speed. At first, I assumed it was a group of intoxicated young men,” he explained.
Realising the car wasn’t overtaking, Joe decided to make way for it. But what followed, he said, was a chilling attempt on his life.
“I veered into a street, pulling aside to let them pass. But instead of driving by, they cut me off and jumped out with rifles. Luckily, they left a small space, and I sped through it. They dashed back into their vehicle and raced toward the Orerokpe Axis,” he recounted.
Joe confirmed that he was not harmed during the incident, describing it as a botched kidnap or assassination attempt. He pledged to file an official complaint with security authorities.
“It was clearly a failed kidnap or assassination. I escaped and am safe for now. I will be reporting this incident to the relevant security agencies, giving them a breakdown of how the attack unfolded,” Joe stated.
He claimed that this is not the first time his life has been targeted, making it the seventh known attempt. Despite the frequency of the attacks, Joe declared he remains unshaken.
“This marks the 7th time they’ve tried to eliminate me. I’m not afraid, not even slightly. They can try a hundred more times—they’ll fail every time. No one owns the monopoly on violence or lawlessness. When pushed, we push back. You can’t take me out. Who dash monkey banana? I no dey fear anybody,” he said defiantly.
Meanwhile, Chronicles Reporters had earlier reported that ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, recently issued threats towards Joe over his critical remarks about a viral video showing Dokubo and his men parading with assault weapons.
Joe had questioned the silence of law enforcement agencies following the release of the controversial video, which featured Dokubo’s group openly displaying automatic rifles, including AK-47s.
“Just a few days ago, Dokubo and his gang were on parade with AK-47s left, right, and centre, and no one raised a word. But if Tompolo Ekpemupolo had done the same, every security outfit would’ve launched investigations—EFCC, Police, Army, even Vigilantes,” Joe had said.
He criticised what he described as selective enforcement of the law, adding: “No one is above the law, and no office gives immunity from scrutiny. Ahj Mujahid Dokubo-Asari.”
Following this, the activist received severe backlash from Dokubo’s associates. One of them, Boma Daniels, identifying himself as the spokesman of Royal Foushé Security Services—a private security company owned by Dokubo—responded in a video message.
Daniels defended the video, asserting the legitimacy of their operations and confirming the company’s registration with Nigerian authorities.
“I speak on behalf of Royal Foushé Security Services. We are a fully licensed security outfit in Nigeria. Our CEO is Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, who also serves as our Royal Highness,” Daniels said.
He dismissed Joe’s criticism as attention-seeking and warned that continued remarks could bring repercussions.
“Israel Joe, who claims to be an activist, made unfounded comparisons between our CEO and his kinsman in Delta. Rather than appreciate our contribution to regional peace, he’s sowing seeds of discord and accusing us of operating illegally,” Daniels said.
Continuing, he issued a veiled warning: “Let it be known that if you persist in this mischievous agenda, we are fully aware of the legal avenues to deal with individuals who pose a threat to public order.”
Daniels further claimed that Joe’s statements were endangering both their personnel and the communities they operate in.
“His remarks could compromise the safety of our personnel and host communities. There are laws that can handle people like him. He should be mindful,” Daniels said.
Despite the threats, Israel Joe maintained his stance.
In a response sent to Chronicles Reporters, he condemned Daniels’ remarks, calling on the authorities to take urgent note of the threats being issued against his life.
“I watched the video statement from Boma Daniels, spokesperson for Royal Foushé Security Company, with great concern. This veiled threat only reinforces my call for accountability. Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo’s firm should be scrutinised thoroughly,” Joe stated.
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