Human rights activists, journalists, and families of victims of General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime have called for his prosecution, accusing him of human rights violations, political repression, and crimes against democracy.
During interviews with Sunday PUNCH, they recounted the injustices they suffered under Babangida’s rule from 1985 to 1993, particularly following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by late Moshood Abiola.
Calls for Justice
Debo Adeniran, President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, insisted that Babangida must be held accountable for his actions.
“The June 12 annulment was a coup against democracy,” Adeniran said. “People were killed, imprisoned, and forced into exile. Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, and many others lost their lives due to the consequences of his actions. Babangida must be prosecuted.”
Veteran activist and lawyer Femi Aborisade echoed the sentiment, saying the former leader’s recent attempts at expressing regret were insincere.
“IBB is a tyrant who destroyed Nigeria’s democratic development,” Aborisade said. “He should spend the rest of his life in prison for annulling a free and fair election. The bloodshed and suffering that followed cannot be erased.”
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Survivors Speak Out
Senior lawyer and human rights defender Femi Falana recounted his own ordeal, stating that Babangida detained him and expelled students who opposed his government. He also condemned the killing of General Mamman Vatsa, Babangida’s childhood friend, whom he said was executed on false charges.
“The law Babangida used to execute Vatsa was created while Vatsa was already in detention,” Falana said. “It was plain murder.”
Media personality Morayo Brown, daughter of late activist Alao-Aka Bashorun, criticized President Bola Tinubu for celebrating Babangida at his book launch.
“My father warned Nigerians about Babangida,” Brown wrote on Instagram. “He did everything in his power to bring him to justice, but nothing happened. Now, after all the suffering he caused, we are supposed to move on? He must be prosecuted.”
Sowore, Vatsa’s Brother, and Others Join the Call
Former student leader and pro-democracy activist Omoyele Sowore described Babangida as a “murderer” and a “hater of democracy.”
“He killed students, Dele Giwa, Mamman Vatsa, Gideon Orkar, and many others,” Sowore posted on Facebook. “He should be in prison, not given a platform to rewrite history.”
Jonathan Vatsa, younger brother of the late General Mamman Vatsa, also demanded that Babangida make restitution for his past actions.
“He owes Nigerians an apology for his crimes,” Jonathan said. “And it’s not just about apologizing—he should return everything he took from Nigerians unjustly.”
Abacha’s Grandson Calls Babangida a Betrayer
Raees Abacha, grandson of former military ruler Sani Abacha, described Babangida as a coward who betrayed his allies.
“If my grandfather were alive today, he would never forgive Babangida’s treachery,” Raees wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Babangida claims Abacha forced him to annul the June 12 election, yet he retained him in government. His so-called regrets are nothing but a lie.”
A Controversial Legacy
Babangida’s recent autobiography, A Journey of Service, has reignited debates about his rule. His claim that the failed 1966 coup was not ethnically motivated has sparked fresh controversy, as many Nigerians believe otherwise.
Despite his attempts at reshaping history, activists and survivors insist that Babangida must answer for his past.
“History will not forget,” Aborisade said. “Neither should justice.”