Nigeria, Feb. 24 -- A Lagos-based lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, said he has petitioned the State Security Service (SSS) and the Lagos State Police Command over threats to assassinate him by top officials in the government.

Mr Farotimi disclosed this while addressing the press at a briefing at Lekki, Lagos, on Tuesday.

"I have told the law enforcement officers, I have sent them my petition clearly and I have requested protection from the Nigerian state," he said.

Mr Farotimi said "someone" who was privy to the plan to assassinate him disclosed the plan. He said he would not reveal his identity to the media but has named him in the petition submitted to the authorities.

He said the person "was privy to certain discussions at certa...