Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter played a crucial role in securing his release from detention during the regime of the late Nigerian dictator, General Sani Abacha. Obasanjo was arrested in 1995 after being accused of plotting a coup against Abacha. He explained that President Carter, despite being far removed from African politics at the time, took a personal interest in his case and sought his freedom.

Obasanjo shared that Carter, during one of his visits to Nigeria, engaged directly with Abacha to negotiate his release. According to Obasanjo, Carter persuaded Abacha to transfer him from prison to house arrest on his farm in Abeokuta. However, the military leader soon reversed the decision, and Obasanjo was sent back to detention, where he faced harsh conditions and threats to his life.
The former Nigerian leader expressed his deep gratitude for Carter’s intervention, noting that his advocacy efforts were motivated by a strong commitment to human rights and justice. Obasanjo described Carter as a “righteous man” who stood for what was right, even when it was inconvenient. He credited the former U.S. president with helping to save his life at a time when many world leaders remained silent.
Obasanjo also noted that Carter was one of the few non-African leaders who showed genuine concern for the political situation in Nigeria during Abacha’s reign of terror. The former Nigerian president emphasized that Carter’s intervention demonstrated his commitment to global peace, democracy, and human dignity.
The remarks were made during a memorial service held in Abeokuta to honor Jimmy Carter’s legacy. Obasanjo reflected on their friendship and shared values, highlighting their mutual dedication to improving human rights and governance worldwide.