16/03/2025
The Coups Before December 31, 1983 That Couldn’t Remove President Shagari
Did you know that before the coup of December 31, 1983, which removed President Shehu Shagari, there were at least two earlier coup attempts that failed?
One of them, in August 1983, involved an NYSC corps member!
Here’s a deep dive into the forgotten history:
🔴 First Coup Attempt (1982)
Financed by Alhaji Zana Bukar Mandara, a government contractor.
Allegedly backed by Muammar Gaddafi’s Libya.
Mandara and other civilian planners were arrested, tried, and sentenced to long prison terms.
🔴 Second Coup Attempt (August 1983)
The most shocking of all! The alleged coup plotter was Ovie Ojaovo Igbuku-Otu, a serving NYSC corps member at NTA Channel 7, Tejuosho, Lagos.
Ojaovo, a passionate advocate for democracy, frequently criticized the Shagari government, even engaging in debates with soldiers during NYSC training.
The secret police (NSO, now DSS) took notice. He was arrested on August 27, 1983, accused of plotting a coup, and sent to Ikoyi Prison.
Though no concrete evidence was found, he remained in detention until 1984, even after Shagari was overthrown.
Human rights lawyer Chief Gani Fawehinmi fought for his release, but in court, Ojaovo was shot, allegedly for attempting to escape. He survived after being taken to the hospital.
Reports suggest he was later killed in 2000, though this remains unverified.
🔴 Other Coup Allegations (1981-1982)
At least nine soldiers were reportedly arrested for plotting against the Shagari government.
This is just one of many untold stories from Nigeria’s political history. Now you know!
📌 From Greg Nwoko
📖 Additional Info: Ojaovo once appeared before Justice Babatunde Belgore of the Federal High Court.