Former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) is facing fresh demands for prosecution from victims, activists, and families of those who suffered injustices during his regime (1985–1993).
The release of his autobiography, "A Journey of Service," launched on February 20, 2025, has reignited debates over his role in human rights violations, June 12 election annulment, and high-profile assassinations under his rule.
Survivors and Families Speak Out
In interviews with Sunday PUNCH, victims, human rights activists, and families of those persecuted under Babangida’s regime detailed their ordeals and called for his trial.
Prominent among the accusations are:
- The annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, widely considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, won by Moshood Abiola.
- Crackdown on pro-democracy activists, including mass arrests and exile of political dissidents.
- The assassination of journalist Dele Giwa via parcel bomb in 1986, which many believe was state-sponsored.
- The execution of his childhood friend, General Mamman Vatsa, under controversial circumstances.
- The closure of media houses, including Newswatch, The Guardian, and PUNCH Newspapers, for criticizing his government.
"Babangida Should Be in Prison" – Activists Demand Justice
Human rights advocate Debo Adeniran, President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, argued that Babangida should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity.
"The June 12 annulment was like a coup d’état. He rebelled against the state and committed crimes against humanity. A lot of people were killed, imprisoned, and sent into exile," Adeniran said.
Activist and lawyer Femi Aborisade also called for Babangida’s prosecution, stating:
"IBB is a tyrannical villain who should be tried for annulling the democratic electoral choice of the Nigerian people in the June 12 election. He has done incalculable damage to societal development."
Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) recounted how he and several students were detained for protesting Babangida’s policies. He also accused Babangida of deliberately killing General Vatsa under false pretenses.
“My Father Fought to Prosecute Babangida” – TV Host Morayo Brown
TV personality Morayo Brown, daughter of pro-democracy activist Alao-Aka Bashorun, questioned President Bola Tinubu’s presence at Babangida’s book launch, calling it an insult to victims of his regime.
"My father warned Nigerians about Babangida and did everything to make him pay for his sins. Many were murdered. My father was thrown in jail multiple times and had to go into exile. Yet, today, he laughs at the table of our tormentor?" she lamented.
Omoyele Sowore: “Babangida Is a Murderer and a Thief”
Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore also joined the calls for Babangida’s prosecution, labeling him a murderer and a thief.
"Babangida killed students, Dele Giwa, Mamman Vatsa, Gideon Orkar, and many others. A hater of democracy who should be in prison but is instead getting undue airtime!" Sowore wrote on Facebook.
Vatsa’s Family Demands Restitution
Jonathan Vatsa, younger brother of the late General Mamman Vatsa, demanded that Babangida not only apologize but also return everything he took from Nigeria unlawfully.
Abacha’s Grandson Calls Babangida a Betrayer
Adding to the controversy, Raees Abacha, grandson of former dictator General Sani Abacha, accused Babangida of betrayal and cowardice.
"My grandfather saved Babangida’s life multiple times. Yet he now claims Abacha was behind the June 12 annulment. If the roles were reversed, Abacha would never forgive this treachery," Raees wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
1966 Coup Comments Spark Fresh Debate
Babangida’s claim in his book that the 1966 coup was not an Igbo-led coup has ignited heated debates.
He argued that the coup plotter Major Kaduna Nzeogwu was not driven by ethnic bias, stating:
"It was heinously callous for Nzeogwu to have murdered Sir Ahmadu Bello and his wife. However, some Igbo officers were also victims, proving the coup was not an ethnic one."
The statement divided opinions, with some praising Babangida for clarifying historical distortions, while others accused him of rewriting history.
What’s Next? Will Babangida Be Prosecuted?
Despite mounting pressure for his prosecution, Babangida remains a free man, enjoying state honors and political recognition.
However, with increasing calls for accountability and Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape, the question remains:
Will Nigeria finally hold IBB accountable, or will history continue to absolve him?
