Who Is After the Life of Rights Activist, Esan Ibraheem?

This is certainly not the best of times for human rights activist, Esan Ibraheem Biola, as allegations have emerged that some unscrupulous elements are allegedly after his life over his activism and unwavering advocacy for justice.

The reason, according to sources close to him, is not far-fetched: his consistent role as a voice for the voiceless and his advocacy for the rights of ordinary citizens.

 

Born on April 29, 1972, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Esan, our correspondent gathered, has reportedly survived repeated attacks and assassination attempts allegedly linked to his outspoken stance against injustice, oppression, and societal inequalities.

 

As revealed, his troubles allegedly began due to his relentless defence of the masses and criticism of perceived injustices within society, a position he claimed made him a target of unidentified individuals.

 

Narrating his ordeal, Esan alleged that two of his associates in the human rights community lost their lives under troubling circumstances. One of them, Comrade Oluwafemi Adebowale Ogundeyi, popularly known as “Olumo,” was reportedly killed on July 26, 2025, while another activist, Gbolahan Olatunji Akande, was allegedly murdered on August 6, 2024.

 

Esan further disclosed that he later became a marked man and was forced to abandon his residence for nearly ten months following what he described as persistent and credible threats to his life.

 

“I was targeted several times because I stood up for the rights of the oppressed. I survived multiple attempts on my life and could no longer stay in my house,” he said.

 

He further alleged that unidentified individuals attacked his residence on August 10, 2025, in an incident that, according to him, resulted in the tragic death of his mother in the presence of his wife and children.

 

Describing the incident as one of the darkest moments of his life, Esan said the experience left deep emotional scars on his family, particularly his children, who witnessed the traumatic event.

 

He disclosed that his escape from what he described as an imminent threat to his life was made possible through the intervention of a community chairman, who allegedly got wind of the plot against him and facilitated his relocation to Lagos.

 

“He provided accommodation for me and advised me to remain hidden. I moved from one hotel to another under different identities to avoid being killed,” he stated.

 

According to him, there was an alleged bounty placed on his head, with promises of reward for anyone who could provide evidence of his death.

 

Now living in perpetual fear and reportedly moving from place to place for safety, Esan has called on eminent Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the international community to intervene and save him from what he described as relentless persecution by those allegedly bent on silencing him.

 

“I am appealing to well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to come to my aid before it is too late,” he pleaded.