Obasanjo Reveals Abacha's Plot Against Him and US Asylum Rejection

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo disclosed in an interview with BBC News Pidgin that he turned down a political asylum offer from the United States, fearing arrest upon his return to Nigeria. After leaving office as military Head of State in 1979, Obasanjo pursued farming, which was successful until he was arrested under the regime of General Sani Abacha.

Obasanjo explained that Abacha had decided he must be eliminated to secure his power. He recounted a conversation with the American ambassador, who informed him of the asylum offer due to the imminent threat of arrest.

Despite this, Obasanjo chose to return home, where he was subsequently arrested. He described how he was taken into custody after being invited by the Assistant Inspector General of Police and later imprisoned, despite efforts from former President Jimmy Carter to secure his release, which resulted in house arrest before his imprisonment.