Stephine Sophia Iyalekhue, Wife of Political Activist Precious Eghosa, Fled Into Hiding Amid Growing Threats
In the wake of Nigeria’s fiercely contested 2023 presidential election, fear continues to grip families caught in the crossfire of political fallout. One such family now living in fear and uncertainty is that of Mrs. Stephine Sophia Iyalekhue, wife of Mr. Precious Eghosa Iyalekhue, a vocal supporter of Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Recent developments reveal that Stephine has also fled to an undisclosed location, reportedly for her own safety, following mounting threats from individuals believed to be after her husband’s life, and by extension, that of his loved ones.
Before the elections, Precious Eghosa had carved out a reputation as a peaceful but passionate advocate for good governance. He spent months traveling across communities, urging young people and stakeholders to vote for credible leaders. His decision to support the LP and its anti-corruption stance may have made him a target.
As tensions heightened leading up to the February 25, 2023, presidential election, which featured Bola Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (LP), and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (NNPP) supporters of opposition parties, particularly the LP, began to report harassment, threats, and violent suppression.
According to eyewitness accounts and family reports, the Iyalekhue household became a repeated target of politically motivated aggression.
The first major scare came on June 12, 2023, when unidentified men stormed the family’s home, demanding to see Precious. According to his father, Mr. Patrick Egharevba Iyalekhue, the men left after failing to locate him, but not before issuing a chilling warning: “If we come back and don’t find him, we’ll kill whoever we meet.”
The threat forced the family to file a report at the police station, but officers claimed they couldn’t act unless the assailants were identified, an explanation that only deepened the family’s sense of helplessness.
Then, on November 24, 2023, the situation escalated dangerously. Armed men believed to be political thugs once again attacked the Iyalekhue home, this time, more violently. Precious and Stephine narrowly escaped through the backdoor, fleeing in separate directions to avoid capture. The attackers reportedly vandalized the house.
After weeks of being on the run, Precious made what may have been his last known contact in December 2023, a desperate phone call to his wife, who was staying with her father-in-law at the time.
“He told her to leave and find safety,” said Mr. Patrick. “He feared he was being tracked and didn’t want to endanger the rest of us. That was the last we heard from either of them.”
Stephine left shortly after that call, disappearing without informing her in-laws or giving any clue to her whereabouts. “I wasn’t home when she left,” Patrick said tearfully. “When I and my wife returned, I was told she had gone. No one knows where. Her phones have been switched off ever since.”
Now, the family fears the worst. With no word from either of them for months, their safety remains uncertain. Mr. Patrick is now speaking out in a bid for justice, and protection.
“This country must not turn a blind eye to people being hunted for their political beliefs,” Mr. Patrick said. “My son believed in a better Nigeria. He didn’t hurt anyone. Why should that cost him his life, or his wife?
