Former Niger Delta militant leader, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, has sparked controversy by threatening to arrest rights activist Comrade Israel Joe, following the latter’s public criticism of a viral video showing Dokubo and his private militia parading with assault rifles, including AK-47s.
Joe, known for his vocal human rights advocacy, took to social media to question the apparent silence of security agencies in response to the video. He condemned what he described as the “alarming display” of firearms by Dokubo’s men and accused authorities of selective treatment.
“Just a few days ago, we saw Asari Dokubo parading with AK-47s everywhere, and no one reacted. But if someone like Tompolo did the same, there would be an uproar involving the EFCC, the Police, Army, and Civil Defence,” Joe wrote.
He also stressed that no one should be above the law, stating: “Whatever anyone is doing is for their own gain. Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari is not above the law.”
In response, Dokubo’s aide, Boma Daniels, who introduced himself as the spokesperson for Royal Foushé Security Services—a private security firm owned by Dokubo—defended the parade. Daniels asserted that the company is legally registered and accused Joe of attempting to discredit their operations.
“The activist is merely seeking popularity at the expense of national security,” Daniels said. “If he continues with these distractions, we know what legal steps to take to put him in his place.”
He also suggested that Joe’s remarks were endangering the safety of Royal Foushé personnel and the communities they operate in, hinting at possible legal consequences.
Despite the threats, Israel Joe remained defiant. In a statement sent to SaharaReporters, he denounced the warnings issued by Daniels and called on relevant authorities to take note.
“I watched with dismay the statement from the spokesperson of Royal Foushé Security Company. It contained clear threats against me,” he said. “While I am neither afraid nor intimidated, I urge Asari Dokubo to caution his spokesperson against issuing such threats. I will respond appropriately in due course.”
The incident has raised renewed concerns about the unchecked activities of private militias and the seeming double standards in the enforcement of firearms laws in Nigeria.
