By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
A leaked audio recording has reportedly exposed an alleged plot by suspected political thugs in Lagos State to assassinate human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, Premium Times reports.
In the recording, a man identified as Timileyin Ishola Olafimihan, popularly known as “Is Nothing,” was heard claiming there is a standing order to attack and kill Sowore whenever he is spotted in Lagos.
“If they catch Sowore, these people are not police, they are thugs. They are planning to kill him anywhere they see him,” the voice said, Premium Times notes.
Olafimihan allegedly warned supporters and activists not to accompany Sowore on his next visit to Lagos, insisting that “the boys have been mobilised and paid to do the job.”
The alleged plot reportedly came after Sowore’s active participation in protests against the illegal demolition of homes in Lagos’ Oworonshoki community, which has left hundreds of residents displaced.
When contacted by Premium Times, Olafimihan denied the assassination plot, claiming the viral audio was taken out of context.
“Don’t mind the audio. I was only joking, and the person I sent it to is like my neighbour. No thug is planning to assassinate Sowore,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, declared Sowore “wanted” on Monday after the activist led a protest at Oworonshoki against the ongoing demolitions.
Speaking at the demolition site, CP Jimoh accused Sowore of “instigating unrest” and attempting to mobilise residents to obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge.
“I hereby, as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Police Command, declare Sowore wanted,” Jimoh said.
“I declare him wanted for the act of causing disturbance of public peace and an attempt to commit serious felony by planning and putting all the plans in motion to obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge to cause hardship for Lagosians and other Nigerians. We will not allow this to happen,”
Hon. Comrade James Onifade