Survivors and Activists Demand Prosecution of Babangida Over Human Rights Violations and June 12 Annulment
The launch of former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida’s (retd.) autobiography, A Journey of Service, on February 20, 2025, has reignited demands for his prosecution over alleged human rights violations during his tenure from 1985 to 1993. Survivors, pro-democracy activists, and relatives of victims have accused Babangida of crimes against humanity, including political oppression, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of press freedom.
In exclusive interviews with NEWS REVIEW, several individuals recounted their ordeals, insisting that Babangida must face justice. They highlighted the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll, as a key offense. The controversial decision sparked violent protests that resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, reportedly at the hands of security forces.
Human Rights Violations and Crackdown on Opposition
Under Babangida’s rule, political repression was rampant, with numerous activists and journalists incarcerated for opposing his administration. Notable human rights defenders such as Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Alao-Aka Bashorun, Femi Falana (SAN), and Femi Aborisade were imprisoned for challenging his policies.
The military regime also targeted the press, shutting down media houses such as Newswatch Magazine, The Guardian, and PUNCH Newspapers. The latter, known for its vocal criticism of Babangida’s government, faced particularly harsh crackdowns.
Additionally, Babangida has been linked to the state-sanctioned execution of his childhood friend, General Mamman Vatsa, and the parcel bomb assassination of investigative journalist Dele Giwa in 1986. Though no direct evidence has implicated him in Giwa’s murder, many believe the attack was orchestrated by the state to silence dissent.
Calls for Justice
Adeniran, President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, declared that Babangida’s public acknowledgment of his regime’s actions does not absolve him of responsibility. “The June 12 annulment was a coup against the Nigerian people,” he stated. “Many were killed, imprisoned, or forced into exile. Babangida must be held accountable.”
Activist Femi Aborisade echoed these sentiments, calling Babangida a “tyrannical villain” who should be tried for undermining democracy. “He has done incalculable damage to this country. He should be in prison for the rest of his life,” he insisted.
Prominent lawyer Femi Falana recalled being detained by Babangida’s regime for protesting the annulment, while TV host Morayo Brown criticized President Bola Tinubu for celebrating a man who tormented her late father, Alao-Aka Bashorun. “My father warned Nigerians about Babangida,” she wrote on Instagram. “Yet today, we laugh with our tormentor?”
Fresh Criticism from Abacha’s Grandson
Raees Abacha, grandson of former military ruler General Sani Abacha, also lambasted Babangida, branding him a “betrayer and coward.” He accused Babangida of shifting blame for the annulment of the June 12 election onto Abacha and questioned his credibility.
“If the lifespans of these two figures were reversed, Abacha would never have forgiven Babangida’s treachery,” Raees stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Babangida retains Abacha in power after the annulment and now tries to rewrite history? He is the real ‘Evil Genius.’”
Controversy Over 1966 Coup Account
Babangida’s memoir has also sparked debate over the 1966 military coup, which led to the assassination of top government officials. In his book, he dismissed the long-held belief that it was an ethnically motivated plot, arguing that Major Kaduna Nzeogwu, one of the coup leaders, was not truly an Igbo nationalist. His comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some praising his honesty while others accuse him of revising history to suit his narrative.
Journalist Oseni Rufai noted on X that Babangida had “debunked the theory of an Igbo coup, which has long been used to tarnish the Igbo people.” However, former presidential aide Reno Omokri argued that the coup started as a nationalistic movement but became ethnically driven.
A Nation Demands Answers
As demands for Babangida’s prosecution grow, the former head of state has yet to respond. His book has reignited old wounds and raised fresh questions about his legacy. Whether he will ever face trial remains uncertain, but for many Nigerians, justice remains overdue.
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 autobiography, A Journey of Service, on February 20, 2025, has reignited demands for his prosecution over alleged human rights violations during his tenure from 1985 to 1993. Survivors, pro-democracy activists, and relatives of victims have accused Babangida of crimes against humanity, including political oppression, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of press freedom.){kind=link}