Speaking in an interview with, Ogebe clarified that his vocal stance against the persecution of Christians does not equate to an animosity toward Muslims.
To bolster his point, the lawyer reminded the public of his history as a pro-democracy activist during Nigeria’s military era, specifically highlighting the personal sacrifices he made on behalf of a prominent Muslim figure.
Ogebe revealed that his most significant brush with state-sponsored violence occurred not because of a religious agenda, but because of his commitment to justice for the late Kudirat Abiola.
He noted that the brutal treatment he suffered under General Sani Abacha’s regime was triggered by his defense of the wife of MKO Abiola—a devout Muslim woman who was assassinated by the state in 1996.
By citing this period of his life, Ogebe sought to demonstrate that his activism is rooted in the protection of human life and dignity, regardless of the victim's faith.
During the interview, Ogebe was direct in refuting the labels often placed upon him by observers who focus solely on his more recent work regarding persecuted Christian communities in Northern Nigeria.
"Because of my advocacy on Christian persecution people think that I dislike Muslims and that is not true," Ogebe stated.
He further emphasized the irony of these accusations by pointing to his imprisonment:
"The main reason why I was imprisoned and tortured by Abacha was because I was advocating for a Muslim woman who was murdered by the state, which is Kudirat Abiola."
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