A fresh controversy has erupted in Nigeria’s public space as ex-Niger Delta militant leader and founder of Royal Foushé Security Services, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, has threatened to arrest well-known activist and human rights advocate, Comrade Israel Joe, for criticizing a viral video that showed Dokubo and his men brazenly parading the streets with assault rifles, including AK-47s.
The video, which sparked intense debate on social media, captured members of Dokubo’s militia-style private security outfit marching in military-style formation, brandishing sophisticated firearms—an act that drew public outrage, but notably, no immediate response from national security agencies.
Comrade Israel Joe was among the most vocal critics of the display. Taking to social media, he raised serious concerns about what he called the “alarming silence” of Nigeria’s security architecture over what appeared to be a violation of public safety regulations.
> “A few days ago, we all watched Asari Dokubo gyrating with AK-47 rifles—left, right, center and corners—and no authority uttered a word,” Joe lamented.
“But if this same act were committed by Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, Civil Defence Corps, and even local vigilantes would swing into action. No one is above the law, not even Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari.”
Joe’s comment triggered a heated backlash from Dokubo’s camp. In a video response, Boma Daniels, who identified himself as the spokesperson of Royal Foushé Security Services, rose in defense of his boss, dismissing the criticisms as attention-seeking antics and accusing Joe of inciting unrest.
> “I am the official spokesperson for Royal Foushé Security Services, a duly incorporated private security firm owned by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, who also doubles as our CEO,” Daniels stated.
“One Israel Joe, who parades himself as an activist, had the effrontery to compare our CEO with his brother in the Delta. Instead of commending our legitimate efforts to support community security, he’s bent on discrediting our organization.”
Daniels went further to issue a stern warning to Joe and other critics, hinting that further condemnation could attract serious consequences.
> “We know the right procedures to take to ensure that distractors and enemies of state are kept where they belong. If, after all that has been said, you continue with this mischief, we’ll act accordingly,” he said, suggesting that Israel Joe’s remarks were endangering the lives of personnel and community members under the company’s watch.
Despite the veiled threats, Comrade Israel Joe remained undeterred.
In a statement sent to SaharaReporters, the activist described the video response from Royal Foushé’s spokesman as not only unprofessional but also dangerous and unacceptable in a democratic society.
> “I watched with focused dismay the press release by Boma Daniels, the spokesperson of Royal Foushé Security Services owned by Alhaji Dokubo. The threats he issued against my person are not only appalling but a calculated attempt to gag dissent,” Joe said.
“I call on the Nigerian authorities, especially the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police, to take serious note of these threats. While I am not intimidated, I urge Alhaji Dokubo to call his spokesperson to order. I will be responding accordingly and at the appropriate time.”
As tensions escalate, this clash between an outspoken human rights activist and a self-styled security mogul raises fresh questions about state-sanctioned impunity, the proliferation of arms among non-state actors, and the dangerous politicization of law enforcement responses in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, concerned Nigerians and civil society organizations have begun mounting pressure on federal authorities to investigate the legality of Dokubo’s private security operations and to take swift action to prevent the descent into lawlessness.
PIONEER NEWS 