General Murtala Ramat Muhammed served as Head of State of Nigeria from 29 July 1975 until his assassination on 13 February 1976. His time in office was marked by decisive reforms aimed at streamlining government operations, tackling corruption, reorganising the military and preparing the nation for a return to civilian rule. His sudden death in an abortive coup attempt shocked the nation and shaped Nigerian political history for decades to come.
From Soldier to Head of State
Born on 8 November 1938 in Kano, General Muhammed pursued a distinguished military career, including service in the United Nations peacekeeping force and command roles during the Nigerian Civil War. He became Head of State following a bloodless coup on 29 July 1975 that removed General Yakubu Gowon from power.
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Reforms and Ambitions for Change
Muhammed launched ambitious changes across the civil service and the armed forces. Thousands of officials were retired or dismissed in a drive to reduce corruption and improve efficiency. His government established a timetable for returning Nigeria to democratic rule and outlined plans for a new constitution and elections. In February 1976, under the guidance of the Irikefe Panel, his administration created seven new states, bringing Nigeria’s total to nineteen. He also worked on establishing a Federal Capital Territory, selecting Abuja as the future national capital to replace Lagos.
The Morning of 13 February 1976
On the morning of 13 February 1976, General Muhammed was travelling in his official black Mercedes Benz saloon car from his residence to Dodan Barracks in Lagos. The vehicle carried minimal security. At a junction near the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos, his convoy was ambushed by a faction of soldiers involved in an attempted coup. Muhammed was killed instantly. His driver and orderly were also killed, and his aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Akintunde Akinsehinwa, later died after attempting to return fire. The attack occurred in broad daylight and was part of a larger attempt to overthrow the government.
The Coup Plot and Immediate Aftermath
The coup attempt was led by Lieutenant Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka, who immediately sought to seize control by broadcasting a declaration over national radio. Dimka cited alleged corruption, maladministration, and other grievances as reasons for the takeover. Troops loyal to the existing government, particularly those under the command of Lieutenant General Olusegun Obasanjo, moved swiftly to suppress the plot. Within hours, the coup collapsed. Dimka fled Lagos but was arrested after a nationwide manhunt.
Capture and Execution of the Plotters
After weeks on the run, Dimka was captured near Abakaliki in southeastern Nigeria. Following a court martial, he and six of his co-conspirators were executed by firing squad on 15 May 1976 for treason and murder.
Succession and Continuity
Following Muhammed’s death, Lieutenant General Olusegun Obasanjo was appointed Head of State. Obasanjo pledged continuity with the reform agenda and maintained the transition programme toward civilian governance. Nigeria eventually returned to civilian rule on 1 October 1979, fulfilling part of Muhammed’s vision.
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Legacy of Leadership Cut Short
Though his tenure lasted only seven months, Murtala Muhammed is remembered as a decisive and reform-minded leader whose actions reshaped Nigerian governance. His legacy lives on through the administrative changes he initiated, the state creation process, and the commitment to returning the country to democratic rule. Monuments, road names, and the 20 Naira note bearing his portrait reflect his enduring national significance.
Author’s Note
Murtala Ramat Muhammed’s assassination on 13 February 1976 marked one of Nigeria’s most pivotal political moments. A bold reformer and military leader, his brief reign brought sweeping administrative changes and a clear plan for returning the country to civilian governance. His death in an abortive coup highlighted the fragility of leadership under military rule. Yet the reforms he set in motion and the peaceful transition that followed under his successor, Lieutenant General Olusegun Obasanjo, remain indelible parts of Nigeria’s modern story. His legacy persists, reflected in the state structures he helped shape and the national memory that honours his contributions.
References
General Murtala Mohammed official biography and overview of reforms and assassination.
Details of the 1975 coup that brought Muhammed to power.
Accounts of Obasanjo’s succession and post-assassination developments.
Reports on the 1976 coup attempt, ambush, arrest and execution of Dimka.
Public memory and commemorations of Muhammed’s leadership.
