How Nigeria Foiled Coup Plot to Kill Obasanjo by Shooting Down his Helicopter With Missile in 2004

• Nigeria survived a failed military coup to overthrow then-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in April 2024
• The coup plotters have planned to kill Obasanjo by shooting down his helicopter with a missile in 2024
• This article, is a throwback following the alleged failed coup to oust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

FCT, Abuja - The Nigerian government foiled a coup attempt to topple then-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in April 2024.

The presidential spokesperson at the time, Remi Oyo, said “serious breaches of security” prompted an investigation into the attempted coup.

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Oyo said the investigation led to arrests, and nearly 30 mid-ranking officers were implicated.

As reported by TheCable, in October 2024, four military officers and a civilian were charged with plotting to kill Obasanjo.

The suspects planned to shoot down Obasanjo’s helicopter with a missile.

The 2004 attempted coup plotters in Nigeria

The military officers charged with plotting to kill Obasanjo include:

• Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former head of personal security of Sani Abacha, the late head of state
• Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Umar Adeka, a lieutenant colonel
• Navy Commander Yakubu Kudambo
• Lieutenant Tijani Abdallah
• The civilian was Onwuchekwa Okorie.

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The men faced two-count charges each of treason at a federal high court in Lagos.

Al-Mustapha, Adeka, and Okorie pleaded not guilty while Kudambo and Abdallah were charged in absentia.

According to the charges, Al-Mustapha gave various sums of money through Okorie to Abdallah between November 2002 and March 2004.

The money was “for the purpose of purchasing a Stinger surface-to-air missile to be used in shooting down the President’s helicopter with the President on board”.

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The charge sheet also revealed that Abdallah travelled several times to Togo and Cote d’Ivoire in his bid to purchase the US-made shoulder-fired missile.

The charge also disclosed that Kudambo prepared the draft of a coup speech outlining a new regime to replace Obasanjo’s elected government

Full list of Military coups in Nigeria

Recall that Nigeria's history has been marked by a series of military coups, with the first occurring in 1966

These coups have significantly shaped the country's political landscape, often resulting in authoritarian rule, human rights abuses, and economic instability.

Understanding the complexities of these military interventions and those who are behind them is crucial.

"Why coup plot will be dismantled in 48 hours"

In a previous story, Legit.ng reported that reports of an alleged plot by some military personnel to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have triggered reactions among Nigerians, including prominent individuals.

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The military has maintained its stand regarding the protection of President Tinubu's government, declaring that 'the Armed Forces remain firmly loyal to the federal government under the leadership of the Nigerian leader'.

In a notable message, ex-presidential aspirant Adamu Garba explained why the Armed Forces taking over Tinubu's led democratic government would not succeed.

Source: Legit.ng