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On 13 February 1976, Nigeria was shaken to its core.
An attempted military takeover, led by Lt. Colonel Buka Suka Dimka, ended with the assassination of the country’s Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.
The coup itself failed within hours but its aftermath would leave a lasting mark on Nigeria’s military history.
Following the collapse of the coup, General Olusegun Obasanjo, then Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, assumed leadership of the country. Under his authority, the Federal Military Government established special military tribunals to try officers, soldiers, and civilians accused of conspiracy, treason, and involvement in the events of 13 February.
The verdicts were swift.
The consequences were final.
Who ordered the executions
The executions were authorized by the Federal Military Government under General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Public announcements of the sentences and executions were made by senior military officials, including Brigadier Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
Those executed after the February 1976 coup
Executed on 11 March 1976 (31 persons):
1. Major-General Iliya D. Bisalla – former Federal Commissioner for Defence
2. Warrant Officer II Monday Monchon
3. Staff Sergeant Richard Dungdang
4. Sergeant Sale Pankshin
5. Lieutenant Colonel A. R. Aliyu
6. Captain M. Parvwong
7. Captain J. F. Idi
8. Captain S. Wakins
9. Lieutenant Mohammed
10. Lieutenant E. L. K. Shelleng
11. Lieutenant Colonel Ayuba Tense
12. Colonel A. D. S. Way
13. Lieutenant Colonel T. K. Adamu
14. Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Umaru
15. Captain A. A. Aliyu
16. Captain Augustine Dawurang
17. Major M. M. Mshelia
18. Lieutenant William Seri
19. Major I. B. Ribo
20. Major K. K. Gagra
21. Captain M. R. Gelip
22. Abdulkarim Zakari – civilian broadcaster
23. Lieutenant Peter Ggani
24. Warrant Officer Emmanuel Dakup Seri
25. Major J. W. Kasai
26. Sergeant Bala Javan
27. Warrant Officer II Sambo Dankshin
28. Major Ola Ogunmekan
29. Lieutenant O. Zagmi
30. Lieutenant S. Wayah
31. Sergeant Ahmadu Rege
Executed between 15–17 May 1976 (after further trials):
32. Lt. Colonel Buka Suka Dimka – leader of the coup
33. Joseph Dechi Gomwalk – former Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State
34. Lieutenant S. Kwale
35. Warrant Officer H. E. Bawa
36. Colonel I. Buka
37. Major J. K. Afolabi
38. H. Shaiyen – police officer
Why this chapter still matters
• I. D. Bisalla was the highest-ranking officer executed, and he maintained his innocence until the end a fact that continues to fuel debate among historians.
• Abdulkarim Zakari remains one of the few civilians ever executed for involvement in a Nigerian coup, accused of aiding the broadcast of the coup announcement.
The executions sent a clear message: in that era, the Nigerian state would respond to rebellion with absolute force.
Less than three months separated assassination, arrest, trial, and execution.
History does not only record events.
It challenges us to reflect on power, justice, and the cost of military rule.
©️Heart 2 Heart With Sammy
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