On February 2, 1996, Chief Alex Ibru, the owner of The Guardian newspaper and former Minister of Internal Affairs, narrowly survived an assassination attempt on the Falomo Bridge, Lagos. The attack, orchestrated by Sergeant Rogers and the Strike Force under General Sani Abacha’s regime, left Ibru permanently injured, costing him an eye and two fingers.
The story of how Alex Ibru became a target traces back to 1993, when Abacha took power. Initially reluctant to join the military government, Ibru was eventually convinced by Chief Ebenezer Babatope, who explained that Abacha wanted prominent Southerners in his administration for balance. As Minister of Internal Affairs, Ibru was Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC), overseeing customs, immigration, and prisons.
However, his position in government did not shield his newspaper from military repression. On August 14, 1994, The Guardian was shut down by Abacha for its critical stance against the military regime.
Ibru’s fate took a darker turn when he intervened in the case of Turner Ogboru, the brother of Chief Great Ogboru, who had allegedly masterminded the 1990 Gideon Orkar coup against General Ibrahim Babangida. Turner was arrested and imprisoned, but Ibru negotiated his release with the PRC. Despite obtaining a court order secured by lawyer Femi Falana, Abacha was later persuaded to reject the release. When confronted, Ibru informed Abacha that Turner had already been freed, citing a collective PRC decision and approval from the Attorney-General.
This enraged Abacha, who accused Ibru of treason. Realizing his increasing vulnerability, Ibru resigned from his position and returned to Lagos to focus on his businesses.
His worst fears materialized on that fateful Friday in 1996. As Ibru’s car descended Falomo Bridge, Sergeant Rogers and his team launched their attack. Gunshots rang out, causing panic among motorists. Ibru, assuming it was routine police activity, was caught off guard when Rogers appeared beside his window and fired.
“The bullet hit him in his left eye, causing his head to shift. That shift saved his right eye,” his wife, Maiden Ibru, later recounted.
Bleeding profusely, Ibru was rushed to St. Nicholas Hospital, but even there, danger lurked. Rogers and his team infiltrated the hospital, but security personnel stationed at the stairways prevented them from reaching Ibru’s ward.
In critical condition, Ibru was airlifted abroad for further medical treatment. Though he survived, he lost an eye and two fingers. He lived for another 16 years, passing away in 2011.
Alex Ibru’s story remains a powerful testament to the dangers of press freedom under military rule and the resilience of a man who, despite the odds, continued to fight for his beliefs.
