Execution of General I.D. Bisalla and Other February 1976 Coup Plotters
General Iliya D. Bisalla was executed along with 30 other officers on March 11, 1976, for being involved in the abortive coup of February 13, 1976 in which General Murtala Muhammed was killed.
A total of 125 people were arrested in connection with the coup. Forty were released, but 32, among them the defense minister, Maj. Gen. I. D. Bisalla, received death sentences. They were executed at the Kirikiri prison shooting range.
General I.D. Bisalla was implicated by Colonel Dimka’s confessions during investigations into the abortive coup. Bisalla was controversially convicted of conspiracy and concealment of treason by the secret Special Military Tribunal. He declared that he was innocent and needed no priest for prayers because he believes he will make heaven.
Bisalla was General Hassan Katsina’s coursemate at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Before becoming the Defense Commissioner, he was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1st Infantry Division of the Nigerian Army from September 1969 to December 1973, and also Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna.
List of coup plotters executed on March 11, 1976
1. Major I.D. Bisalla
2. Warrant Officer II Monday Monchon
3. Captain J. F. Idi
4. Lieutenant Colonel A. R Aliyu
5. Captain M. Parvwong
6. Staff Sergeant Richard Dungdang
7. Sergeant Sale Pankshim
8. Colonel A. D. S. Way
9. Lieutenant Colonel T. K. Adamu
10. Lieutenant A. B. Umaru
11. Captain A. A. Aliyu
12. Captain S. Wakins
13. Lieutenant Mohammed
14. Lieutenant E. L. K Shelleng
15. Lieutenant Colonel Ayuba Tense
16. Captain Augustine Dawurang
17. Major M. M. Mshelia
18. Lieutenant William Serin
19. Major I. B. Ribo
20. Major K. K. Gagra
21. Captain M. R. Gelip
22. Mr. Abubakar Zakari
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. Zagni
30. Lieutenant S. Wayah
31. Sergeant Ahmadu Rege
Thanks for reading, OldNaija.com
References:
- Omipidan, T. O. (2015). The Assassination of General Murtala Muhammed on February 13 1976. OldNaija. https://oldnaija.com/2015/07/13/the-assassination-of-general-murtala-ramat-muhammed-on-february-13-1976/
- Times, T. N. Y. (1976, March 13). NIGERIA EXECUTES 30 FOR COUP ROLE. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1976/03/13/archives/nigeria-executes-30-for-coup-role-exdefense-minister-among-them.html
Questions? Advert? Click here to email us.
This is great as it is informative and educative. In fact I appreciate alot, thanks to oldnaija.com
You’re welcome sir. We are glad you found this helpful. Thanks for your visit. Kindly do check back.
Evidence if required of the waste of our human resources. Most of them innocent bystanders of events which swept them to their deaths. And our recent not accorded aired viewing by the nation.
Hmmmm…… You have indeed spoken well, Mr. Lawakhigbe. May God help us all. It’s such an honour to have you on my blog. Thanks for the visit and comment. Please, visit again.
One of the best educating platform, great job.
Thank you so much, Mr. Andrew DanColonel. Your visit is highly appreciated.
nice piece…thanks for the information